The Role Of Fishermen In Supporting Food Security And Nutrition For The Young Generation

Illustration of caught fish by fishermen/ Photo: ANTARA

JAKARTA Efforts to improve the standard of living for Indonesian fishermen continue to receive encouragement from the All-Indonesian Fishermen Association (HNSI). Through various strategic programs, the organization that has been established since 1957 strengthens its role as a bridge between the aspirations of fishermen and the direction of government policy.

In the momentum of commemoration of its 52nd anniversary at the Nusantara Fisheries Port (PPN) Muara Angke, Jakarta, HNSI emphasized its commitment to continue to present concrete solutions for the welfare of fishermen, not only through advocacy, but also through the implementation of real programs in the field.

The chairman of the HNSI Anniversary Committee, Agus Suherman, said that this organization has a moral and structural responsibility to raise the life risks of fishermen.

"We are here to ensure that fishermen are not only objects of development, but subjects who are sovereign and economically independent," he said.

One of the concrete steps for HNSI is the launch of the Red and White Fisherman Cooperative, which is part of the support for the government's program of the Red and White Village Cooperative (KDMP). This cooperative is expected to be a forum for strengthening the community-based fishing economy.

In addition, HNSI is also actively supporting national priority programs such as Free Nutrition Food (MBG) with fish nutritional sources. In its implementation in December 2024, HNSI managed to reach more than 10,000 fishermen throughout Indonesia "a clear evidence that the marine sector can play an important role in supporting the nutritional security of the younger generation."

In the midst of the rapid development of marine technology, HNSI also ensures that fishermen have access to important devices such as the Fishery Ship Monitoring System (VMS). This program is equipped with the help of fishing facilities such as coolbox, diesel drums, and basketball, which aim to encourage work efficiency and quality of catches.

No less important, the launch of the Digital Membership Card (KTA) is part of efforts to modernize data collection and services for members, as well as build an accurate and dynamic national database of fishermen.

In the context of the government's big vision to realize food self-sufficiency, HNSI emphasized its role as a strategic partner of President Prabowo Subianto's government. The theme carried out this year "Nelayan as a National Food Swasembada Mobilization Motor" is not just a slogan, but a form of commitment that is manifested in collaborative work and sustainable programs.

"The national food power cannot be separated from the sea. And fishermen are guards, as well as drivers," said Agus.

The celebration of the 52nd Anniversary of HNSI was also attended by a number of high-ranking state officials such as Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan, Special Envoy for President Muhamad Mardiono, and Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, showing that the fishermen's welfare agenda is now a cross-sectoral concern.

With ages that have reached more than five decades, HNSI continues to move as a social force that encourages fishermen's needs-based policies, bridging the country's vision with reality at the grassroots.