Transforming Sikka’s Pole and Line Fisheries Field Notes from Mas Dhevan
Author: Dhevan (Field Staff, AP2HI) Location: Pemana Island & Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT)
Significant change often begins with small steps on the deck of a fishing vessel.
This is exactly what I am witnessing and supporting alongside the pole and line (one-by-one) fishers of Pemana Island, Sikka Regency. Amidst the challenging daily routines at sea, a new awareness is taking root, that success in fisheries is no longer measured solely by the volume of the catch, but by ensuring the process is safe, fair, and sustainable.
Through intensive mentoring facilitated by the Indonesian Pole & Line and Handline Fisheries Association (AP2HI), fishers in East Nusa Tenggara are demonstrating a tangible shift toward responsible fishing practices.
Fleet Profile: The Economic Backbone of Sikka
Based on field data collection, the Flores waters in Sikka Regency serves as a vital hub for pole and line vessels. The snapshot of the operational scale we manage in Total Fleet was ±47 pole and line vessels with an average of 18 crew members per vessel, by Estimated Impact: ±846 fishers rely on this sector for their livelihoods.
These figures underscore the importance of strengthening fishery governance in the region, not only for the sustainability of fish stocks but also for the protection and dignity of the fishers themselves.
Strengthening Social Responsibility: Sea Working Agreements (PKL)
One of the most significant milestones I have overseen is the implementation of Sea Working Agreements (Perjanjian Kerja Laut – PKL). Out of the ±47 vessels, 27 vessels have now formalized written contracts between boat owners and crew members.
For many local fishers, the PKL is a novel concept that brings professional clarity. This document outlines rights and obligations, significantly increasing the sense of security for the crew. A skipper on Pemana Island shared his perspective with me:
“In the past, we thought only about catching fish and coming home. Now, we are starting to understand that safety and working agreements are essential for our collective future.”
Building Institutions via Fair Trade Groups
Beyond legal compliance, I have been assisting in the formation of one Fair Trade group for pole and line fishers. This group serves as a strategic platform for fishers to:
- Strengthen internal governance.
- Enhance operational transparency.
- Unlock access to more equitable global markets.
Through the Fair Trade approach, we encourage fishers to look beyond volume and prioritize business practices that are socially responsible and environmentally sound.
Safety at Sea: Moving Toward Optimal Standards
Workplace safety is becoming a top priority for the Maumere fleet. Currently, all 47 mentored vessels have begun providing basic safety equipment. While there is still room to optimize these standards, the commitment of the fishers to work more systematically is highly commendable.
As a fisher from Gunung Sari Village mentioned:
“We are learning to work more organized now. Safety gear is starting to appear on the boats, and while it’s not yet complete, we hope to improve even further in the future.”
A Foundation for Sustainable Fisheries
The ongoing transformation in Sikka Regency proves that our small-scale fishers have an incredible capacity to adapt to the demands of modern, responsible fisheries. Although the process is gradual, the direction is clear.
Moving forward, the AP2HI team and I will remain focused on:
- Ensuring all vessels adopt written labor contracts.
- Safety Standardization by Improving the availability and quality of safety gear.
- Fair Trade Consistency by maintaining the spirit of fairness throughout the tuna supply chain.
From Pemana Island, a great hope is growing. Sikka’s pole and line fishers are evolving into industry players who are deeply aware of safety, labor justice, and the long-term health of Indonesia’s oceans.
The transformation has started, and the future of Indonesia’s Sustainable Fisheries are getting closer.
