AP2HI Continued To Commit In Implementing Training Program for Fishermen in Indonesia
AP2HI is still strongly committed in teaching responsible fishing methods to fishermen in Indonesia. On the 25th-26th January 2016, AP2HI collaborated with UNIDO-Smartfish Project for the training program in Larantuka, Indonesia. Participants from this program consist of local fishermen, including fishermen from PT. Okishin Flores; one of AP2HI members. Delegations from the government (Head of Fisheries DKP East Flores District, Head of P2HP Division DKP East Flores District, work unit from PSDKP Larantuka) and other AP2HI members (PT. Okishin Flores, PT. Primo Indo, PT. Ocean Mitramas) also participated in this program. Located at Asa Hotel Larantuka, the program started with an opening speech from the Department of Marine and Fisheries (DKP) Secretary of East Flores District.
The two days of training consisted of presentations on several different topics, which include:
- The importance of Sustainable Tuna Fisheries Management and Higher Demand in International Market for Sustainable Tuna Fisheries presented by Agus A Budiman (AP2HI);
- Implementation of Fishing Certification which was presented from Zulfikar (Ministry of Marine and Fisheries Indonesia);
- Introduction to Traceability presented by Lalu Hizbulah (Yayasan Masyarakat dan Perikanan Indonesia);
- Programme on Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) in Industry of Fish and Seafood Processing presented by Muhammad Iqbal (National Programme Manager of UNIDO RECP Project).
Heri, one of the speakers from AP2HI gave an overview of some of the issues encountered during the fisher-training programme including some small obstacles accrued during the training due to fishermen who were unable to read and write. “Although it was not a big problem because during the training other fishermen helped them with the writing material, and most importantly they understood the materials which were presented by the experts and can be implemented later when they are onboard fishing vessels.” explained Heri.
In the end, it became a refreshing discussion between the fishermen and the speakers. The participants were pro-active in questioning the speakers. They were not afraid to give their opinion, especially during the presentation from Zulfikar (MMAF) and right after the issues of Vessels Permit was presented.
“After the issues related to the government were presented, Zulfikar was then questioned by the fishermen and it became a positive discussion between all the participants,” commented Heri (AP2HI)
Moreover, most of the fishermen in Larantuka are already aware of the importance in sustainable fisheries and they are willing to support this program. Although, most of the fishermen today felt that it is harder to obtain baitfish and the fish itself in Larantuka.
Written by: Mila