Indonesia's fisheries sector contributes USD 27 billion to the national economy, with a contribution of 2,6% to GDP—higher than neighboring countries. However, high production does not guarantee long-term sustainability. Challenges such as overfishing, illegal fishing practices (IUU Fishing), and human rights violations worsen the condition of marine ecosystems and the welfare of workers along the supply chain. Coastal communities, who depend on this sector, face poverty rates higher than the national average.
Fiscal incentive policies, currently dominated by fuel subsidies, tend to exacerbate resource exploitation without improving the welfare of small-scale fishers. More than 82% of small-scale fishers do not have access to these subsidies, while allocations for conservation and social protection programs are still very limited. Policy reforms are needed to support the sustainability of the fisheries sector, protect workers, and ensure equitable distribution of benefits to coastal communities.
Read the full Policy Brief volume 50 entitled “Promoting Justice: Reforming Government Incentives in the Fisheries Sector for Worker Well-being and Sustainability” below: