Supporting the Development of Indonesia's Blue Economy, DPD RI Committee II Conducts Oversight on the Implementation of the Law on the Protection and Empowerment of Fishermen, Fish Farmers, and Salt Farmers in Teluknaga, Banten Province

29 August 2026 oleh admin

Teluknaga, dpd.go.id – Committee II of the House of Regional Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPD RI) held a discussion forum with the Banten Provincial Government, the Teluknaga District Government, and several stakeholders at the Teluknaga District Office, Tangerang Regency, Banten Province, on Friday (28/08/2026). The forum was conducted as part of the oversight on the implementation of Law Number 7 of 2016 concerning the Protection and Empowerment of Fishermen, Fish Farmers, and Salt Farmers (Fishermen Law). The discussion forum was led by DPD RI Committee II Member from Aceh, Azhari Cage, and attended by members of DPD RI Committee II.

In his opening remarks, Azhari Cage, as a senator from Aceh, stated that the objective of this activity was to understand the current situation and future developments regarding the implementation of protection and empowerment for fishermen, fish farmers, and salt farmers as mandated by the Fishermen Law. "The oversight of the Fishermen Law is also conducted to gain a comprehensive picture of the various challenges faced on the ground, good practices that have been implemented, and the need for strengthening policies at both national and regional levels," he explained.

Head of the Banten Provincial Fisheries Office, Agus Supriyadi, explained that the Banten Provincial Government is currently striving to improve the exchange rate of fishermen so that their fish catches do not sell at overly low values. Furthermore, he revealed that the fish catches in Banten are not fully dedicated to the consumption of the local Banten community. "A significant amount of fish from Banten is sold directly to Muara Angke (Jakarta). This causes the fulfillment of local fish demand in Banten to be hindered," Agus stated. On the same occasion, the Head of Teluknaga District, Kurnia, also explained that the implementation of the Fishermen Law in Teluknaga still faces several obstacles that prevent its full execution. One such obstacle is the complex licensing process for small-capacity vessels. "Small-scale fishermen operating small vessels of two Gross Tons (GT) are forced to sail without regard for these small vessel permits. We request the government to facilitate this," he explained.

Several representatives of fishermen and fishermen's organizations conveyed their aspirations during the discussion forum. Slamet Riyadi, representing the fishermen, explained that protecting fishing vessels from sea waves in fishing ports is urgently needed. "We request the construction of a mooring basin for fishing vessels to dock," he concluded. Representatives from the Indonesian Fishermen's Community Association (HMNI) also expressed their aspirations regarding the implementation of the Fishermen Law.

"Small-scale fishermen desperately need protection, not just social assistance, but also health insurance and other guarantees," they explained. Echoing HMNI's aspirations, a representative from the Marine Affairs and Fisheries Office of Banten Province revealed that the implementation of the Fishermen Law has not yet successfully realized access to capital for fishermen, fish farmers, and salt farmers. "How can we make the businesses of fishermen, fish farmers, and salt farmers bankable? We hope they can gain access to financing," the representative stated. From the fish farming perspective, representatives from the Tangerang Regional Executive Board (DPD) of HMNI expressed hope for the construction of a fish house to produce fish seeds.

Responding to the aspirations expressed by the representatives of fishermen and fishermen's organizations, Ilham, representing the Directorate General of Capture Fisheries at the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), explained that the central government deeply cares about small-scale fishermen, one example being the presidential priority program known as the Merah Putih Fishermen's Village (KNMP). "In Teluknaga District, if there is land that is clear and clean, it can be designated as a site for the development of KNMP," Ilham explained. Regarding access to capital, he stated that the KKP facilitates well-performing fishermen's groups and cooperatives by connecting them with banks and other financial institutions to obtain capital access.

Several members of DPD RI Committee II also responded to the input provided. "The feedback from the representatives of fishermen and fishermen's organizations will serve as notes for us. DPD RI stands ready to assist with whatever the fishermen need. The Secretariat of Committee II DPD RI will coordinate with the relevant parties," affirmed Azhari Cage, Senator from Aceh. Highlighting the substance of the Fishermen Law, Nono Sampono, Senator from Maluku, explained that the Fishermen Law was designed to ensure fishermen, fish farmers, and salt farmers receive protection in conducting their business. "In Article 21, it is stated that the central government and regional governments must provide facilities for fishermen to obtain business means for fisheries," added Nono. Senator from Riau, Arif Eka Saputra, further reinforced that DPD RI is present to ensure that government policies in the marine and fisheries sector deliver a direct impact on fishermen and their groups.

This working visit to Teluknaga reflects DPD RI's commitment to safeguarding efforts for the protection and empowerment of fishermen, fish farmers, and salt farmers in Indonesia. These efforts are expected to bring a positive impact to both the national and regional economies, particularly for fishermen's groups, as mandated by Article 33 Paragraph (3) of the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia.