DPD RI is Pushing for Accelerated Vessel Document Issuance and Enhanced Protection for Fishermen in East Kalimantan

22 July 2026 oleh admin

Samarinda, dpd.go.id – Member of the House of Regional Representative of the Republic of Indonesia (DPD RI) of East Kalimantan Province, Dr. Yulianus Henock Sumual, S.H., M.Si., held a Hearing Meeting (RDP) with the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Service of East Kalimantan Province at the DPD RI Office of East Kalimantan Province. This activity is part of the Recess Period of Session V of the 2025–2026 Session Year as well as the implementation of the supervisory function of Committee II of the DPD RI regarding the implementation of policies in the maritime and fisheries sector, especially the implementation of Law Number 7 of 2016 concerning the Protection and Empowerment of Fishermen, Fish Farmers, and Salt Farmers. In his remarks, the Senator from East Kalimantan emphasized that the RDP is a means to absorb aspirations and obtain direct information regarding the condition of the maritime and fisheries sector in the region as material for implementing the DPD RI's supervisory function. "This hearing is part of the DPD RI's oversight function to ensure that various policies in the maritime and fisheries sector truly protect and improve the welfare of fishermen and fish farmers. We want to hear directly about the various challenges faced in the regions so that they can be addressed through constitutional mechanisms at the central level. We hope that the various obstacles faced by coastal communities can be quickly resolved through synergy between the central and regional governments," he emphasized. In its presentation, the East Kalimantan Provincial Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Office explained that one of the main challenges currently facing fishermen is the limited issuance of vessel documents, namely Small and Large Passes, which are the main requirements for obtaining recommendations for subsidized fuel purchases. The limited number of ship surveyors at the Harbormaster and Port Authority Office (KSOP) has slowed the document issuance process, leaving thousands of fishing vessels unable to meet these administrative requirements. "Currently, there are around 22,400 fishing vessels in East Kalimantan, but only around 7,265 vessels have complete documents. Our main obstacles are the limited number of vessel surveyors and the authority to issue Small and Large Passes, which is still held by the KSOP. Even though these documents are the main requirement for fishermen to obtain recommendations for purchasing subsidized fuel. Therefore, we hope for strengthened coordination between the Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries so that services to fishermen can be accelerated," explained Petrijansyah from the East Kalimantan Provincial Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Office. The East Kalimantan Provincial Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Office also outlined various efforts the local government has undertaken to improve the protection and empowerment of fishermen and fish farmers, including facilitating BPJS Employment membership, providing outreach to fishermen, providing assistance with fisheries production facilities, providing technical training, and providing assistance in addressing the impacts of climate change and fish disease outbreaks. The local government also continues to conduct water quality testing and fish sampling at several fish farming sites as a measure to maintain the productivity of the fisheries sector. "The provincial government continues to strengthen the protection and empowerment of fishermen and fish farmers through coaching, outreach, and various assistance programs within regional authority. We also continue to educate the public about the importance of complete vessel documentation, employment social security participation, and increasing the capacity of aquaculture businesses to make the fisheries sector in East Kalimantan more productive and competitive," he added. In addition to administrative issues for fishermen, the meeting also discussed various challenges facing the aquaculture sector, including the impact of climate change on water quality, fish disease outbreaks, and the need to strengthen environmental monitoring of waters serving as community businesses. DPD RI assessed that these issues require serious attention through strengthened coordination between the central government, regional governments, and all stakeholders. Concluding the meeting, Dr. Yulianus Henock Sumual emphasized the DPD RI's commitment to continue overseeing the various aspirations conveyed in the meeting, including simplifying regulations, accelerating administrative services for fishermen, strengthening institutions in the marine and fisheries sector, and increasing protection for fishermen and fish farmers in East Kalimantan. "The House of Regional Representative of the Republic of Indonesia (DPD RI), through Committee II, will continue to monitor the various issues raised in this meeting, including simplifying regulations that still pose obstacles for fishermen, strengthening inter-ministerial coordination, and increasing the protection and empowerment of coastal communities. We hope that the maritime and fisheries sector in East Kalimantan can develop further, become more competitive, and improve the welfare of the community," he concluded.