Tagline: “Don’t Let Fishermen Die Due to Lack of Signal”
Jakarta, Indonesia – June 3, 2025 – The high number of accidents involving small fishing vessels in Indonesian waters, alongside other operational challenges, has become a serious concern for various parties. One crucial factor contributing to fatalities is the minimal technology on these vessels to send distress signals during emergencies. This limitation hinders effective communication with shore, Coast Guard officials, and other nearby vessels.
Responding to this challenge, the Indonesian Fisherman Association (INFISA) has announced a strategic partnership with the China National Space Administration (CNSA), China’s government space agency. This collaboration focuses on providing portable satellite-based Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) equipment for small-scale fishermen in Indonesia. This technology is designed not only as a safety tool but also as operational support for fishermen.
“Sailing safety, especially for our small-scale fishermen, is a priority,” said a representative from INFISA. “We all agree with the spirit of ‘don’t let fishermen die due to lack of signal.’ So far, the highest number of accidents have indeed occurred among small-scale fishermen whose vessels are often not equipped with adequate communication technology for emergencies.”
Furthermore, he explained that this portable VMS tool offers dual benefits. “Besides its primary function of sending emergency signals so fishermen can request help in dangerous situations, this technology can also be utilized by fishermen to locate fish aggregations. Thus, fishermen can make their fuel consumption and operational time more efficient,” he elaborated.
Another significant benefit of this tool is its ability to monitor the vessel’s position relative to national borders. “This is crucial, especially for fishermen operating in border areas. With accurate position monitoring, fishermen can avoid violating Indonesia’s maritime boundaries with neighboring countries, which is expected to minimize potential inter-state conflicts in the future,” the representative added.
He also emphasized that efforts to improve the safety and welfare of fishermen do not solely rely on human resource training. “Safety training for fishermen is important, but the availability of advanced and multifunctional supporting equipment on board also plays an equally vital role,” he asserted.
As an initial step in this collaboration, CNSA will donate 20 units of portable VMS satellite terminals. This equipment will soon be trialed by INFISA members in the near future. These trials aim to evaluate the effectiveness and reliability of the technology in real operational conditions in Indonesian waters, both for safety functions and fishing operation support.
It is hoped that with the implementation of this portable VMS technology, the emergency vessel rescue system in the future can operate more quickly and responsively, while also enhancing the overall operational efficiency and safety of Indonesian fishermen. This step brings new hope for improving the safety and productivity of Indonesia’s small-scale fishermen, as well as safeguarding the nation’s maritime sovereignty.