Indonesia, through the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), initiated a joint declaration during the 30th Session of the Coastal States Alliance (CSA-30) in Bali to strengthen the position of Indian Ocean coastal states in managing migratory fish resources, particularly tuna (31/01).

The initiative highlights Indonesia’s role in global fisheries governance within the Indian Ocean region.

CSA Supports Fair and Sustainable Fisheries Management

Deputy Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Didit Herdiawan Ashaf said the Coastal States Alliance is a forum for Indian Ocean coastal countries that focuses on fair, sustainable, and rules-based fisheries management under the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC). He explained that the CSA helps build shared understanding and represents the collective interests of coastal states.

“This meeting is very timely, as it coincides with important upcoming stages at the IOTC, including the Technical Committee on Allocation Criteria and the 30th Commission Session in Australia in early February,” he said in an official statement in Jakarta.

Coastal States Unite to Protect Fishermen’s Interests

Director General of Capture Fisheries Lotharia Latif stated that the CSA plays an important role in promoting fair and sustainable tuna fisheries management.

He said the alliance aims to ensure real benefits for fishermen in coastal countries.

“Through the CSA forum, coastal states unite to secure national interests and strengthen their bargaining position in negotiations with Distant Water Fishing Nations,” he explained.

International Recognition of Indonesia’s Leadership

Chairman of the Sustainable Fisheries and Communities Trust (SFACT), John Burton, described the CSA as a collaborative forum among countries to protect tuna resources under the IOTC framework from the risk of overexploitation by Distant Water Fishing Nations.

“We appreciate Indonesia’s initiative in establishing the CSA, including its role as secretariat and host of this meeting, which aligns with the Indonesian President’s commitment at the World Economic Forum through the blue economy program,” he said.

CSA Membership and Future Institutional Development

During the meeting, the joint declaration was read by CSA Chair Prof. Indra Jaya, marking the official formation of the Coastal States Alliance.

The declaration aims to strengthen coordination and solidarity among coastal states ahead of strategic discussions within the IOTC.

The CSA currently has 12 member countries: Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Maldives, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Somalia, South Africa, and Sri Lanka. Representatives from 10 member countries attended the 30th session.

The outcomes of the meeting, held on 30–31 January, also serve as an initial step toward strengthening CSA institutions, including governance and operational mechanisms.

These arrangements are planned to be formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding at the Ocean Impact Summit 2026 in Bali this June.

PHOTO: MINISTRY OF MARINE AFFAIRS AND FISHERIES

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