RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian House of Representatives Commission IV lawmaker Riyono stressed that strengthening the blue food sector must be accompanied by inclusive modernization of the fisheries industry.

He explained that modernization involves enhancing fishermen’s human resources, including training in fishing technologies, seafood processing, and digitizing marketing systems. “All of this is crucial so that our fishermen are resilient, self-reliant, and highly competitive,” Riyono said at a press conference in Jakarta on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

Riyono also emphasized the importance of social protection, such as workers’ compensation insurance, safeguards during extreme weather, and legal certainty regarding fishing zones. He argued that policy support for fishermen is not only an economic issue but also one of social justice and sustainability of Indonesia’s marine resources.

“Our fishermen must be lords of their own land, with strong communities and a well-established blue food ecosystem,” he said. Riyono expressed confidence that Indonesia can achieve greater self-reliance in food security and the maritime economy if fishermen’s needs are fully met.

“This momentum of National Fishermen’s Day 2026 should serve as a reminder for all stakeholders to strengthen their commitment to achieving sustainable well-being for Indonesian fishermen,” he added.

According to data from the Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry (KKP), Indonesia had about 3.2 million fishermen in 2024, most of them small-scale and traditional. The marine and fisheries sector is projected to contribute around 2.6 to 2.8 percent to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2025.

In the same year, the Fishermen’s Exchange Rate Index (NTN) stood at 103.86, an increase compared to 2024, though still below levels recorded in previous years. (Gusti Panji/Lasti Martina)