The Impact of Maritime Policy on Fishermen’s Livelihoods: A Case Study of Illegal Fishing in Indonesia

Indonesia, as the world's largest archipelagic nation with significant marine territory, faces major challenges related to Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. This issue negatively impacts local fishers and the national economy. This study examines Indonesia's maritime policies, including measures to combat IUU fishing through decisive actions such as sinking foreign vessels caught fishing illegally and introducing new policies like quota-based fishing. While these policies aim to reduce marine resource exploitation and promote sustainability, challenges persist, especially regarding the welfare of small-scale fishers who remain trapped in poverty. The research employs library research methods to explore the impact of policies on Indonesian fishers and the fisheries sector while highlighting the importance of more effective policies to balance stakeholders' interests and achieve sustainable fisheries management. Combating IUU fishing requires more comprehensive measures, including stricter monitoring and enhanced awareness among stakeholders in the fisheries sector.