RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – April 6 is commemorated as National Fishermen's Day in Indonesia. This moment serves as a form of appreciation for the important role of fishermen in meeting the food needs of the community.

National Fishermen's Day was first initiated by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries in 2001. The goal is to raise public awareness while also promoting the welfare of fishermen.

Based on information from the website of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of the Republic of Indonesia, in 2003 President Megawati Soekarnoputri declared April 6 as National Fishermen's Day thru Presidential Decree Number 19 of 2003. The establishment of this day serves as a form of strengthening the state's recognition of the significant contributions of fishermen.

This commemoration also serves as a form of appreciation for the struggles of fishermen who work under harsh conditions at sea. They face various challenges, from extreme weather to high waves.

The role of fishermen is not only as providers of animal protein from fisheries. They also contribute to inter-regional distribution and support the national economy.

The maritime and fisheries sector also contributes foreign exchange to the country. This shows that the role of fishermen has a wide impact on development.

Through this reminder, it is hoped that attention to the welfare of fishermen will increase. Additionally, efforts to preserve marine resources are also important for future sustainability.