maritimeposts.com/ – MANILA (5 December) — The Government of Indonesia has secured several strategic achievements at the 19th Finance and Administration Committee Meeting (FAC19) and the 22nd Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC22), held in Manila from 30 November to 5 December 2025.
These accomplishments reinforce Indonesia’s standing in regional fisheries governance, particularly in the management of tuna stocks in the Western and Central Pacific.
One notable outcome was the successful removal of three Indonesian vessels from the WCPFC Provisional IUU Vessel List, preventing them from entering the final list.
During the meeting, Syahril Abd Raup — Director of Fish Resources Management and Head of the Indonesian Delegation — presented supporting data on law enforcement actions and national-level governance improvements. These efforts reflect Indonesia’s determination to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
“This commitment demonstrates Indonesia’s strengthened monitoring system,” Syahril stated. “It proves that Indonesia does not tolerate illegal fishing. We ensure all Indonesian vessels operate in compliance with both national and international regulations.”
Indonesia also submitted a proposal for an allocation of fishing days for its purse seine vessels operating in the high seas of the Pacific Ocean. The proposal was tabled as part of discussions on the Conservation and Management Measure (CMM) for Tropical Tuna, aimed at opening greater opportunities for developing coastal states to benefit from tuna resources.
Syahril emphasized that although the revision of the regulation is scheduled for 2027, Indonesia must begin asserting its national interests early. This proactive approach is considered vital for expanding access to high-seas fishing opportunities.
In matters concerning organization and membership, Indonesia continued to advocate for maintaining current financial contributions to the WCPFC, aligning with national policies on international membership fees and the need to ensure efficient financial management within the Commission.
Indonesia’s representative was also re-elected as Co-Chair of the FAC for the 2026–2027 term — recognition of the country’s active role and capacity in promoting transparent and accountable organizational governance.
Separately, Director General of Capture Fisheries, Lotharia Latif, reaffirmed that as the world’s largest archipelagic state, Indonesia deserves equitable access to highly migratory tuna resources.
He noted that the meeting serves as an opportunity for Indonesia to continue promoting principles of responsible and sustainable tuna governance.
Meanwhile, Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, has repeatedly emphasized Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening its negotiating position in regional forums — including safeguarding tuna sustainability and ensuring that national interests remain central in fisheries governance across the Western and Central Pacific.
Public Relations – Directorate General of Capture Fisheries