Indonesia is the second-largest fish-producing country in the world after China. Indonesia exports 10% of the world’s fisheries commodities to all around the world. The value of Indonesia’s fisheries sector reaches USD$29.6 billion, equivalent to 2.6% of Indonesia’s GDP.
Furthermore, Indonesia’s waters also have the most significant portion of the coral triangle, which is the habitat for 76% of all coral species and 37% of all coral reef fish species in the world. There are 2.8 million households directly involved in Indonesia’s maritime industry. The fisheries and marine sectors also contribute positively to tourism and the creative economy.
In light of this, to enhance marine and fisheries outcomes, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) initiated an opportunity for collaboration with all entities by accelerating digital transformation and technology. The Acting Head of the KKP’s Data, Statistics, and Information Center, Aulia Riza Farhan, stated that collaboration in a digital space like this could realise inclusivity and create a sustainable marine and fisheries ecosystem.
“We invite stakeholders who are willing to participate in supporting the sustainable utilisation of marine and fisheries ecosystems using digital technology,” said Aulia.
Aulia explained that KKP is committed to implementing a blue economy policy in the maritime and fisheries sector through the environmentally conscious use of marine resources. The blue economy refers to the sustainable utilisation of marine resources to support economic growth, welfare, livelihoods, and the preservation of marine ecosystems.
In doing a transformation, KKP has been using the Integrated Maritime Intelligent Platform or Command Center satellite technology to monitor water conditions and coastal ecosystem conservation to achieve this. Moreover, this technology can also detect vessel profiles and movements crossing Indonesian waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone, including vessel administrative documents such as Fishing License Permits.
Furthermore, this technology will facilitate data traceability, starting from the types of fish caught to the weight of the catch on the vessel. The seamless integration of data within the system further enhances transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the overall operations, contributing to the sustainable utilisation of marine resources and the preservation of ecosystems.
Additionally, he also stated that there is a collaboration between Padjadjaran University and one of the private universities to collaborate to develop nano-satellite technology. It aims to create a comprehensive mapping and intelligent monitoring system for Indonesian waters.
On the same occasion, the Dean of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences at Padjadjaran University (Unpad), Yudi Nurul Ihsan, expressed support for KKP’s blue economy policy. He stated that the commitment to strengthening the marine and fisheries sector is acknowledged through a collaborative programme plan with one of the private universities related to human resource development.
“The collaboration programme is conducted to enhance human resources capable of competing in the digital era, meeting industry needs, and supporting the maritime and fisheries sector,” said Yudi.
One of the private university rectors, Harjanto Prabowo, also expressed readiness to contribute to accelerating the digital transformation developed by KKP in line with the vision of nurturing and empowering society in technology and digitisation development.
Moreover, this university offers a curriculum encompassing digital transformation areas like data analysis, artificial intelligence, and technology-based application development, which can support the KKP in achieving its blue economy objectives.
In the future, KKP will implement Vessel Radar technology and Augmented Reality Underwater features to monitor and manage the sustainable utilisation of marine and fisheries resources. Using Augmented Reality Underwater, researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders can further gain an immersive and detailed understanding of marine habitats, species distribution, and environmental conditions.
