JAKARTA - Representatives of the Muara Angke fishing business agreed on the importance of using the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS). This was revealed after they held an audience with the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KP) Sakti Wahyu Trenggono at the KKP office, Jakarta, Thursday, February 5.
During the hearing, one of the representatives of the Muara Angke business actors Nasirin admitted that at first many entrepreneurs were reluctant to install VMS because it was considered to add to the cost and administrative burden.
However, a change of view began to occur after a number of ship accident incidents at sea.
"I used to be one of those who opposed VMS. But after seeing many accidents, now I actually encourage ships to install VMS," he said during the meeting as quoted from the KKP's official statement, Friday, February 6.
Another business actor, Nunung, assessed that the existence of VMS helps monitor the position of the ship and facilitates handling when an emergency occurs. However, he said, business actors still hope that there will be improvements in operational and administrative aspects so that the implementation of the system is not burdensome.
"Yes, we agree to use VMS. But, we hope that the implementation of VMS will not burden," he said.
Meanwhile, Minister Trenggono assessed that the change in the attitude of business actors towards VMS was a positive signal for strengthening national fisheries governance, especially in Muara Angke which is one of the largest fishing vessel activity centers in Indonesia.
"With this increased awareness, it is hoped that the safety, efficiency and sustainability of the fishing industry can go hand in hand," said Trenggono.
Trenggono emphasized that the government continues to encourage increased compliance with the use of VMS, in line with the arrangement of port activities and the implementation of the Measurable Fishing (PIT) policy.
With a better monitoring system, fishing activities are expected to be more orderly, measurable and able to reduce the risk of accidents.
In the future, Trenggono ensured that the government would strive to present solutions, including simplifying permits and operational support, so that business actors could carry out their obligations without being burdened.
"The success of the fisheries sector policy depends very much on the cohesiveness between the government and business actors," he added.
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