Embracing National Fishermen’s Day in the Eastern Indonesian Sea
Before the first rays touch the eastern waters of Papua each morning, small boats glide gently from the shoreline. This daily ritual is deeply rooted in the lives of fishermen. For those living along the coasts of Papua, Maluku, and the Arafura Sea, the ocean is not just a livelihood but also a culture and a key to their future.
April 6 is National Fishermen’s Day, highlighting fishermen’s contribution to national food security. In Eastern Indonesia, this commemoration emphasizes balancing resource utilization with marine conservation.
The Eastern Indonesian Sea: A Super-Rich Marine Region
The eastern waters of Indonesia are part of the Coral Triangle, the region with the world’s highest marine biodiversity. From Papua to the Arafura Sea, these deep blue waters host thousands of ecologically and economically valuable marine species.
According to Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, the country has a sustainable fishery potential of 12.54 million tons per year—more than a third of it comes from the eastern region. The area is home to over 3,240 marine fish species and boasts the world’s most significant coral reef habitats. It produces top commodities like yellowfin tuna, albacore, skipjack, banana shrimp, and various reef fish. These resources make the Eastern Indonesian Sea a vital pillar of both national and global fisheries industries.
Unseen Challenges of the Sea
Though abundant, the Eastern Indonesian Sea is also vulnerable. Overfishing, climate change, and unjust supply chains place small-scale fishermen at a disadvantage. Often, they are the last to benefit from the resources they help protect.
Sustainable fishing practices offer a way forward—encouraging seasonal fishing, using eco-friendly fishing gear, and marine management based on local wisdom. This dual-benefit approach helps preserve fish stocks while providing economic security for fishing communities.
As a coastal-based community, Kobumi believes that the economy must remain rooted in ecology and that development should prioritize justice.
Kobumi: Building a Community-Rooted Economy
Kobumi is a multi-stakeholder cooperative formed through collaboration between local cooperatives in Eastern Indonesia and the EcoNusa Foundation. We are a socio-eco enterprise—not merely selling land and sea products but creating a fair, sustainable economic system that impacts local and indigenous communities.
Through Kobumi, we establish transparent, direct market access for fishermen and local producers. We also offer skills training and institutional capacity-building—especially for fishing communities and Indigenous women—enabling them to become more self-reliant in global challenges.
Additionally, Kobumi promotes fair trade by ensuring more equitable prices and competitive market access for local communities. As a result, every product reflects high quality and the values of social responsibility and environmental care.
Since February 2023, Kobumi has received banana shrimp from local communities and cooperatives. Carefully harvested, these catches allow fishermen to support their families more decently—without overexploiting the sea.
Related article: Between the Shrimp Summoning Ritual and the Fgan Fen Sisi Cooperative
Protecting the Sea, Securing the Future
The Eastern Indonesian Sea, characterized by its expansive marine areas, rich biodiversity, and active community participation, offers significant potential for sustainable development. Supporting eco-friendly, community-driven fisheries represents a crucial step toward achieving a fair and balanced future for people and the environment.
National Fishermen’s Day delivers a vital message: protecting the sea means securing the nation’s future. Eastern Indonesia proves that the sea can offer more when managed wisely. Sustainable fisheries in the hands of indigenous fishermen are living proof that ecology and economy can go hand in hand. Let’s come together to protect the eastern seas and support their guardians.
Ko punya bumi, bumi kita, kita membumi. 🌏✨
