Dwi Ari Priyanto is studying the economic contribution that Andon fishers provide in the Fisheries Management Area (FMA) 711, which covers the area between the islands of Sumatra and Kalimantan, and extends into the South China Sea. FMA 711 includes 6 provinces and 27 districts or cities, and therefore, cooperation between fishers is essential for sustainable management of the area.

The term ‘Andon fishers’ refers to those with a boat size of less than 30 gross tons (GT) who carry a license from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) to fish outside their home territory. Within FMA 711, Andon fishers have the potential to increase regional revenue, as their activity contributes to the local fishery market. In an effort to accommodate this potential, the government developed a cooperation agreement between the provinces and implemented the Andon fishing licensing process as tools to control and monitor activity within the FMA. However, conflicts still occur as local fishers claim their territorial waters as their own and discriminate against the “outsiders.”

Dwi conducted his research in two locations: Pemangkat, a coastal town in West Kalimantan Province, and the Riau Islands. He found that the Andon fishers’ economic activity created a ripple effect in the area, increasing the amount spent on logistics, supplies, food and beverages, and fish processing. Dwi also learned that the Andon fishers often sell their catch outside their home territory, causing conflicts in local fishing markets. However, these conflicts could be resolved by establishing fishing route agreements, increased government enforcement, and improved cooperation between fishers in the area.

Last month, Dwi presented his research to the West Kalimantan Marine and Fisheries Affairs Department in Pontianak City. His research is relevant to the ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation and management between provinces within FMA 711. Roughly 30 people attended the dissemination event, including government officials, academics, and members of civil society, and all were actively involved in discussions about the research findings. We hope that this research can contribute to Indonesia’s efforts to implement the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals within the FMA network.

Our FMA researchers will disseminate their work throughout 2020, and CSF-Indonesia will continue this collaborative research program into 2021 with additional FMAs. This work is made possible by the generous support of Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies.