Monitorday.com – The ocean is not just about fish; it’s about data, technology, and legal compliance. In the spirit of regional partnership and a shared commitment to marine sustainability, Indonesia and Australia held a fisheries compliance monitoring workshop on Wednesday (June 18) at the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) headquarters in Jakarta.
The event brought together senior officials from Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) and the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), along with leaders from Indonesia’s Directorate General of Marine and Fisheries Resources Surveillance (PSDKP).
Saiful Umam, Director of Fleet Operation Control at PSDKP, opened the event with an energetic and optimistic tone.
“We are truly pleased to welcome and meet with AFMA representatives in Jakarta. This is more than just a workshop, it is a strategic milestone that will deepen cross-border collaboration in fisheries monitoring,” he stated.
In his remarks, Saiful underscored the increasingly complex challenges of managing marine resources, from illegal fishing and cross-border violations to the need for integrated, technology-driven vessel monitoring systems. He emphasized that this partnership with Australia is a tangible step toward tackling these challenges.
The Australian delegation included Dean Roberts (Agriculture Counsellor, DAFF), Tod Spencer (Senior Manager, National Compliance Operations, AFMA), Fraser McEachan (Manager, Foreign Compliance Policy), Eric Appleyard (Senior Maritime Domain Awareness Officer), and Saiful Marbun (Acting Manager, Foreign Compliance Policy). They were warmly welcomed in a friendly and appreciative atmosphere.
“Australia has extensive experience in implementing effective Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS). This inspires us as we continue to improve our national fisheries monitoring framework,” Saiful noted.
He also highlighted Indonesia’s ongoing shift toward a measurable fishing policy, a key component of which is strengthening science and technology-based vessel monitoring.
The workshop served as an interactive platform for exchanging best practices, sharing case studies, and exploring new ideas for enhancing fisheries surveillance and law enforcement. The Indonesian delegation expressed hope that this event would be the first of many.
“We hope this kind of initiative will continue regularly and evolve into a long-term strategic program,” Saiful added.
Participants were given the opportunity to introduce themselves, share their roles and responsibilities, and engage in productive dialogue. The opening session concluded with remarks from DAFF and AFMA representatives, who reiterated the importance of such cooperation.
Following the formal session, the mood turned more relaxed. Tea and light refreshments were served outside, creating an informal setting for delegates to connect on a more personal level. Laughter and casual conversations filled the space, a reminder that diplomacy often thrives beyond the confines of meeting rooms.
The Indonesia Australia partnership in marine resource monitoring is not solely about operational strategy, it is about shared values, mutual trust, and a joint responsibility to protect the future of our oceans.