Alfitria Nefi Pratiwi, Jakarta – Researcher from the Center of Economic and Law Studies (Celios), Rani Septyarini, highlights the harmful impact of trawling on capture fisheries. "In 1960, capture fisheries production growth reached 21.67 percent, but it plunged to 2.41 percent in 2022," said Rani, in a written statement on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.
The data comes from a joint study between Celios, the Indonesian Traditional Fishers' Union (KNTI), and IPB University. The decline in fishery production in 2022 signaled the drop in fish stocks caused by overfishing practices using environmentally hostile fishing gear, such as trawls.
In Kotabaru, South Kalimantan, fishers struggle to cover operational costs due to declining catch. Consequently, fishers are trapped in a cycle of layered debts and create increasingly heavy socioeconomic pressures.
Furthermore, Rani said this situation leads to fishers' houses being seized and unstable households, which triggers divorces. In response to this condition, she suggested three recommendations to solve the problems faced by small-scale fishers in Kotabaru:
First, she urges the Kotabaru government to implement clearer law enforcement. Additionally, Rani urged the strengthening of fishers' institutions in the form of cooperatives. She also emphasized the importance of improving targeted subsidies and financial access.
The government is also urged to up surveillance by conducting routine patrols, especially in specific zones for small-scale and traditional fishers. She also stressed the importance of inclusive financial access to free fishers from debt that threatens household stability.
Meanwhile, the Chair of the Indonesian Coastal Student and Youth Union, Hendra Wiguna, said ecosystem damage caused by trawling has led to a decreased interest among the youth in becoming fishers.
"Then who will ensure food and a protein source will be sufficient in the future?" he said.
Meanwhile, the Chair of the Kotabaru Branch of the Indonesian Traditional Fishers' Union, Hasrifin Harifai, requested that the ban on trawl fishing gear be accompanied by more massive, structured, and sustainable socialization to all fishers in the coastal areas. Because many fishers still do not fully understand the ecological impacts of trawl usage and the legal sanctions that can be imposed on violators.
Proper dissemination of information should provide an in-depth understanding of the benefits of preserving the marine ecosystem, including a more stable catches in the long run.
Hasrifin also emphasized the importance of a persuasive and educational approach so that fishers feel involved and not just lectured. With a good understanding, he is optimistic that fishers can realize the losses from unsustainable fishing practices.