Re-thinking Indonesian marine fisheries quota-based policy: A qualitative network of stakeholder perception at fisheries management area 718

As the largest archipelagic country, Indonesia has been unable to prioritize the ocean to improve its economy. Despite implementing various fisheries management approaches, Indonesia has consistently failed to establish the right policies. The Indonesian government's current breakthrough was to combine the ecosystem approach to fisheries management (EAFM) and quota-based fisheries management (QBFM). Policies that combine these two concepts are known as 'perikanan terukur' (measurable fisheries). The observation views the perspective of local stakeholders on this measurable fisheries policy. Fisheries management area (FMA) 718 was conducted as research areas while designed as industrial fisheries and national fish supply areas. FMA 718 is also represented by Merauke Regency (South Papua) and Aru Islands Regency (Maluku). The perception of 67 key respondents was modeled using qualitative network modeling. The results showed at least 28 initial variables related to the response to QBFM. The developed model indicated that local stakeholders had rejected this policy. The implications that emerged to implement this policy were to ensure the distribution of authority between layers of government. The gap between local and commercial fishermen must be resolved immediately. There is a need for community involvement in policy, including efforts to develop policies based on data and factual conditions.

Automated summary

Indonesia, as the largest archipelagic country, has struggled to prioritize the ocean for economic improvement. Previous fisheries management approaches have failed due to a lack of appropriate policies. The government's recent breakthrough combines the ecosystem approach and quota-based management. This study investigates the perceptions of local stakeholders towards this policy known as 'perikanan terukur'.