Fair Trade Success: Improving Fishers Welfare in Tuna Jaya Bitung

BITUNG (13/11) – The Fair Trade Tuna Group of Bitung, under the company PT. Jaya Bitung Mandiri, held a General Assembly of Fair Trade with AP2HI on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, aboard the KM. Dioskuri 8 (Motor Vessel). The event was attended by eight fishermen and lasted from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM WITA. Various parties were present, including Mrs. Janti Djuari, Chairperson of AP2HI, members of the Tunas Muda and Sengkanaung groups, as well as the Tuna Jaya Bitung Committee. Notably, Tuna Jaya Bitung was the supplier for PT. Samudera Mandiri Sentosa in Bitung.

Fishing Challenges with Pole and Line Vessels

The meeting featured a session dedicated to discussing the challenges faced by fisher groups using pole and line vessels. Capt. Hasan highlighted significant issues such as the lack of bait in Lembeh Island and the limited available fishing zones. Additionally, Capt. Glen pointed out the increasing competition from netting vessels, which makes it more difficult for our fishers to catch fish.

Fair Trade Scheme and Its Benefits

Through the Fair Trade scheme, fishing groups receive a premium fund that is used for the welfare of the group. This fund is allocated for various social needs such as providing trash bins, children’s scholarship savings, and other social activities.

Fair Trade was chosen for its principles that promote fair fishing practices; with Fair Trade certification, we support responsible companies in empowering workers and fishers while protecting the environment. Fair Trade certification supports safe working conditions, environmental protection, sustainable livelihoods, and community development funds for everyone in a company’s supply chain.

Fishers now have an open mindset. They not only catch fish but also understand how to protect the sustainability of fisheries in the ocean for future generations. However, to receive the Premium Fund, fisher groups must engage in activities such as recording fishing trips, participating in group meetings, organizing themselves, among others. This process requires time and diligence to assist fisher groups in becoming accustomed to these practices.

The premium fund scheme will help enhance the resilience of pole and line fisher groups amid ongoing challenges in fishing operations today. They will consider activities that help sustain their livelihoods and have access to funding for agreed-upon initiatives.

Financial Training on Fishers

In this session, the Sengkanaung group reported having 14 members after losing one member. Meanwhile, the Tunas Muda group remains at 22 members despite many being absent due to fishing activities. A proposal presentation was made by the program coordinator to the Tuna Jaya Bitung committee. The proposed program includes assistance funds and scholarships for fishermen’s children aimed at improving educational opportunities within th community.

As a conclusion to the meeting, discussions focused on the importance of financial training for both FA Sengkanaung and FA Tunas Muda groups.

Fishers from this committee follow a fund disbursement process to ensure that premium funds have been released and that Fishers can learn to manage their finances effectively, which is expected to enhance transparency and accountability in fund usage.

The Tuna Jaya Bitung General Assembly serves as a momentum to strengthen synergy among members and improve the welfare of fishers in the region. Through open discussions and closer collaboration between fishers and various stakeholders, it is hoped that existing challenges can be better addressed.

Mrs. Janti Djuari expressed her hope that

“This activity represents a manifestation of creating a more solid and independent fishing community capable of facing various future challenges more effectively. Additionally, with assistance programs and financial training in place, it is expected that the quality of life for fishers and their families can significantly improve.”

This activity is not just about fishing but also about building a better future for all community members. With this Fair Trade scheme, fishers not only gain economic benefits but also contribute to their environmental sustainability.

Author : Allisya Kusumawardani

Editor : Nuriasih Nababan, Iham Alhaq