
The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries is a key government agency responsible for managing Indonesia's marine resources. It was established in 2004 through the merger of the Ministry of Fisheries and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs.
The ministry's main goal is to ensure the sustainable use of marine resources, which is essential for the country's economic and food security. The ministry's structure is designed to achieve this goal, with several key departments and institutions working together.
The ministry is headed by a Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, who is assisted by a Deputy Minister and several Secretaries. The ministry also has several departments, including the Department of Fisheries and the Department of Maritime Affairs.
See what others are reading: Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy (Greece)
What is Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries?
The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) is a governmental body in Indonesia that oversees marine and fisheries resources.
Its primary goal is to manage and oversee marine and fisheries resources.
The MMAF was established to address the vast challenges and opportunities within Indonesia's extensive maritime domain.
It plays a critical role in promoting sustainable practices.
This means ensuring food security and enhancing the livelihoods of communities dependent on marine resources.
Broaden your view: Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs (Norway)
Organizational Structure

The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries has a complex organizational structure, which has undergone changes over time. Presidential Decree 193/2024 and Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Decree 2/2025 outline the current structure.
The ministry is headed by the Office of the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries and the Office of the Deputy Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. Below these offices are several directorates general, including the Directorate General of Sea Spatial Management and the Directorate General of Maritime Management.
The General Secretariat plays a crucial role in overseeing the ministry's operations. It is supported by several directorates general, including the Directorate General of Capture Fisheries and the Directorate General of Aquaculture.
The ministry also has a number of agencies and centers, including the Agency for Extension and Human Resources Development of Marine Affairs and Fisheries and the Center for Data, Statistics, and Information.
Here is a list of the key components of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries' organizational structure:
- Office of the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries
- Office of the Deputy Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries
- General Secretariat
- Directorate General of Sea Spatial Management
- Directorate General of Maritime Management
- Directorate General of Capture Fisheries
- Directorate General of Aquaculture
- Directorate General of Competitive Improvement of Marine Products and Fisheries
- Directorate General of Marine and Fisheries Resources Surveillance
- General Inspectorate
- Agency for Extension and Human Resources Development of Marine Affairs and Fisheries
- Agency for Marine and Fisheries Products Quality Control and Monitoring
- Center for Data, Statistics, and Information
- Center for Strategic Policy Studies
- Board of Experts
It's worth noting that the ministry's organizational structure has undergone changes, as seen in Presidential Decree 38/2023, which introduced some differences in the structure.
Minister of Marine Affairs

The Minister of Marine Affairs is a crucial position in the Indonesian government. The role has been held by several individuals since 1999.
Sarwono Kusumaatmadja was the first Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, serving from 1999 to 2001. He was succeeded by Rokhmin Dahuri, who held the position from 2001 to 2004.
Freddy Numberi took over as Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries in 2004 and served for five years. He was followed by Fadel Muhammad, who held the position from 2009 to 2011.
Sharif Cicip Sutarjo then took the reins as Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, serving from 2011 to 2014. Susi Pudjiastuti was the Minister from 2014 to 2019, overseeing the ministry for four years.
Edhy Prabowo was the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries from 2019 to 2020, while Luhut Pandjaitan held the position for a brief seven days in 2020. Sakti Wahyu Trenggono has been the Minister since 2020 and still holds the position.

Here is a list of the Ministers of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, along with their tenure and cabinet affiliations:
Role and Responsibilities
The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) plays a crucial role in Indonesia's marine and fisheries sectors.
The MMAF operates under a multifaceted mandate that encompasses a range of activities aimed at fostering sustainable development.
Key responsibilities include implementing policies for the conservation and sustainable utilization of marine resources.
The MMAF also establishes regulations governing fishing practices, aquaculture, and marine ecosystem protection.
To support its work, the MMAF conducts scientific research to inform policy decisions and enhance industry practices.
This research is essential to ensure that the MMAF's policies are evidence-based and effective.
The MMAF facilitates stakeholder involvement, particularly from local fishing communities, in decision-making processes.
This community engagement is vital to ensure that the MMAF's policies are relevant and beneficial to all stakeholders.
Here are the MMAF's key responsibilities in a concise list:
- Resource Management: Implementing policies for the conservation and sustainable utilization of marine resources.
- Regulatory Framework: Establishing regulations governing fishing practices, aquaculture, and marine ecosystem protection.
- Research and Development: Supporting scientific research to inform policy decisions and enhance industry practices.
- Community Engagement: Facilitating stakeholder involvement, particularly from local fishing communities, in decision-making processes.
- International Cooperation: Collaborating with global organizations and other countries to address transboundary challenges and share best practices.
The MMAF's primary task is to develop, establish, and execute maritime affairs and fisheries policies.
It also oversees asset management within the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries.
Impact on the Food Industry

The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) has a significant impact on Indonesia's food industry, particularly in the context of seafood production and supply. Its influence is profound, and it's essential to understand how this affects the country's food security and economy.
One of the key benefits of the MMAF's efforts is the increased supply of seafood. By promoting sustainable fishing practices and responsible aquaculture, the ministry ensures that the seafood industry not only meets domestic demand but also enhances export opportunities.
A stable supply of seafood is crucial for nutrition and the overall health of the population. The MMAF's efforts in regulating and enhancing the fisheries sector contribute significantly to Indonesia's food security.
The growth of the fisheries sector generates employment opportunities across various levels, from fishermen to processing plants. This is a vital aspect of the MMAF's impact on the food industry.
Here are some key statistics on the MMAF's impact on the food industry:
- Increased Seafood Supply: Sustainable practices lead to higher yields in both wild capture and aquaculture.
- Job Creation: The growth of the fisheries sector generates employment opportunities across various levels, from fishermen to processing plants.
- Export Growth: A robust and sustainable seafood industry positions Indonesia as a key player in global markets, enhancing export revenues.
Sustainable Fishing Practices

The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) is taking a proactive approach to ensure the long-term sustainability of our oceans. They're working hard to combat overfishing and promote eco-friendly fishing practices.
One of the key strategies is implementing quotas to prevent the depletion of fish stocks. This means setting catch limits to protect vulnerable species and their habitats.
Monitoring and surveillance are also crucial to ensure compliance with regulations. The MMAF is enhancing oversight mechanisms to prevent overfishing and protect marine ecosystems.
By incentivizing sustainable practices, the MMAF is providing financial and technical support to fishers who adopt eco-friendly methods. This can include providing training and equipment to help them reduce their environmental impact.
Here are the three key strategies the MMAF is using to promote sustainable fishing practices:
- Implementing Quotas: Establishing catch limits to prevent depletion of fish stocks.
- Monitoring and Surveillance: Enhancing oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Incentivizing Sustainable Practices: Providing financial and technical support to fishers who adopt eco-friendly practices.
Aquaculture and Food Security
The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) plays a crucial role in ensuring Indonesia's food security through its aquaculture initiatives.
The MMAF's focus on sustainable aquaculture practices has led to a significant increase in seafood production, meeting domestic demand and enhancing export opportunities.
By educating farmers on best practices through training programs, the MMAF aims to enhance productivity and sustainability in the aquaculture sector.
The ministry's research initiatives support studies on disease management and sustainable feed sources, improving aquaculture outputs and contributing to the country's food security.
A stable supply of seafood is crucial for nutrition and the overall health of the population, and the MMAF's efforts ensure the availability of a consistent seafood supply.
The growth of the fisheries sector generates employment opportunities across various levels, from fishermen to processing plants, contributing to the country's economic development.
The MMAF's initiatives have positioned Indonesia as a key player in global markets, enhancing export revenues and contributing to the country's economic growth.
Here are some key statistics on the MMAF's aquaculture initiatives:
Challenges and Directions
The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) is facing some tough challenges. Illegal fishing is a major issue that needs to be addressed.

To strengthen law enforcement, the MMAF is working to enhance patrols and increase penalties for those caught engaging in illegal fishing. This will help protect marine resources and prevent overfishing.
Climate change is also having a significant impact on marine ecosystems and fisheries. The MMAF is developing programs to mitigate these effects and help marine resources adapt to a changing climate.
Market demands are also constantly evolving, and the MMAF needs to stay ahead of the game. Encouraging fishers and aquaculture producers to explore alternative markets and value-added products is a key strategy for diversifying the market.
Here are some key strategies the MMAF is using to address these challenges:
- Strengthening Law Enforcement: Enhancing patrols and penalties for illegal fishing.
- Climate Resilience Strategies: Developing programs to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
- Market Diversification: Encouraging alternative markets and value-added products.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the KKP in Indonesia?
The KKP (Kementerian Kelautan dan Perikanan) is Indonesia's government ministry responsible for marine and fisheries affairs. It oversees the country's ocean management and fishing industries.
What is the fisheries agency in Indonesia?
The fisheries agency in Indonesia is the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), responsible for organizing marine affairs and fisheries within the Indonesian government.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_Marine_Affairs_and_Fisheries
- https://www.digicomply.com/food-regulatory-bodies-standards-and-authorities/ministry-of-marine-affairs-and-fisheries-mmaf
- https://iiab.me/kiwix/content/wikipedia_en_all_maxi_2023-10/A/Minister_of_Maritime_Affairs_and_Fisheries_of_Indonesia
- https://setkab.go.id/en/ministry-of-maritime-affairs-fisheries-develops-group-business-models-for-fishermen/
- https://catalog.data.gov/dataset/coral-and-fish-data-for-ministry-of-marine-affairs-and-fisheries-republic-of-indonesia-glo
Featured Images: pexels.com