Senator Graal Criticizes Unilateral Removal of Fish Aggregating Devices in North Maluku

15 September 2026 oleh admin

TTernate, dpd.go.id – After seeing and hearing reports about the removal of fish aggregating devices (FADs), locally known as rumpon, in Ternate, North Maluku, several days ago (September 9, 2026), Dr. R. Graal Taliawo, S.Sos., said he found the situation difficult to understand. “Justice, including legal justice, must be structured in such a way as to provide the greatest benefit to those who are least advantaged,” said the North Maluku senator when asked for his response to the case.

It should be noted that permits for the placement of FADs within waters extending 0–12 nautical miles from the coast are issued by governors, while areas beyond 12 nautical miles fall under the authority of the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. In the Ternate case, reports indicate that the removal or dismantling of FADs was carried out by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) together with the North Maluku Provincial Marine and Fisheries Agency (DKP), without prior socialization or notification to the affected fishermen or FAD owners.

Equally concerning, he said, was the fact that the agencies’ official publication appeared to portray the operation with a sense of pride, as though authorities had apprehended criminals. “FADs are an extremely important source of livelihood for fishermen. For some, they are even their primary source of income. They work hard to collect their own money to build them, only for the structures to be destroyed without prior socialization or notification. So let us ask critically: who is actually being treated as the criminal?” Dr. Graal said.

Fishermen Must Be Protected and Supported

The FADs that were removed reportedly did not have the required permits and were therefore considered illegal. The fishermen and FAD owners said they were unaware of the relevant licensing regulations. According to the Committee II DPD RI member, whose commission oversees fisheries affairs, it would be highly unfair and unwise for the provincial government to allow fishermen to remain uninformed and leave them to navigate the licensing process on their own.

Dr. Graal recounted his experience during oversight visits to villages across regencies and municipalities in North Maluku. “When visiting coastal villages, the majority of fishermen repeatedly complained that they had not received adequate attention from the Marine and Fisheries Agency, whether in the form of basic fishing equipment, other forms of physical assistance, or specific programs. We must not allow information about FAD regulations to similarly fail to reach communities comprehensively,” he stressed.

The politician from Wayaua, Bacan, said he believed that fishing communities could be engaged in constructive discussions. “If they are given a thorough understanding, they will certainly be able to understand and accept the regulations. They need to know that FADs require permits so that their locations can be regulated and they do not interfere with shipping lanes, conservation areas, coral reef ecosystems, or other maritime activities. Legal FADs can also help the provincial government increase locally generated revenue (PAD) through the management of marine space,” he explained.

Provincial Government Must Not Neglect Its Responsibilities

Dr. Graal raised several critical questions regarding the performance of the provincial Marine and Fisheries Agency.

“What efforts has the Marine and Fisheries Agency made to help fishermen and FAD owners understand the FAD licensing regulations? Given that the licensing process can be difficult for fishermen and involves a multi-level process extending to the central government, what efforts has the agency made to help them obtain the necessary permits? How has the agency facilitated them?” Dr. Graal asked firmly.

Fishermen in Ternate, which is relatively close to the provincial government, have claimed that they had not received adequate information about the regulations. “If this is the situation in Ternate, what about fishermen living farther away from the provincial government? This needs to be investigated and should serve as a critical point of evaluation,” he said.

For the political science doctoral graduate from the University of Indonesia, the responsibility lies with the Marine and Fisheries Agency to actively reach out to fishing communities.

“If fishing communities have not been clearly informed about the FAD policy, then it is the agency’s responsibility to go to them and provide the necessary information and socialization. It must proactively visit fishermen’s groups and FAD owners and assist them with the licensing process. The provincial government must not allow its failure to fulfill its responsibilities to turn fishermen into victims of the enforcement operation,” he emphasized.

Prioritizing Empathy and Humanity

The advocate of ideas-based politics emphasized the importance of empathy, humanity, and sound judgment when dealing with fishing communities—who, he noted, are often in a vulnerable position—under the law. He said this perspective should be embraced by the government.

“Fishing communities are in an inferior position due to their lack of information and limited capacity. Rawls has warned that the law must take into account those who are in such vulnerable positions. They should not be treated as though they were serious criminals,” Dr. Graal said.

He added, “If there are requirements that fishermen or FAD owners have yet to fulfill, it is the provincial government’s responsibility to facilitate and support them so that they can continue working at sea and earning a livelihood peacefully without violating the law. They should not simply be subjected to enforcement measures. Socialization and facilitation must come before law enforcement.”

Priorities for KKP and DKP

Dr. Graal said there were other issues that should be considered more urgent and important priorities for the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) and the regional Marine and Fisheries Agency (DKP).

“During visits to Morotai and several coastal villages in other regencies, residents complained about vessels fishing in areas where they should not be operating. These are large-tonnage vessels fishing in nearshore waters. Even in Ternate, at the same location where the FAD removal took place, a resident of Dufa-Dufa told me during a discussion forum, ‘Sir, there are still vessels fishing in Ternate waters using trawl nets and even explosives. They are allowed to do it; there is no law enforcement at all,’” he said.

He questioned how law enforcement was being carried out in such cases, which he said had a more significant impact on marine and fisheries resources in North Maluku. “Violations like these should be prioritized because they cause such serious damage to the balance of our marine ecosystems. Have any enforcement measures been taken?” he asked firmly.

Fishermen and FAD owners, Dr. Graal stressed, should not be treated as criminals who need to be monitored. Instead, they should receive support and assistance.

“Law enforcement must also adopt a broader perspective, prioritize restorative principles, and serve an educational purpose. Fishermen and FAD owners should be assisted in complying with the law. The principle is clear: the government should not appear to be pursuing locally generated revenue while indiscriminately using the law against small-scale fishermen,” Dr. Graal concluded.