Strengthening Community-Based Fisheries Governance in Indonesia’s Coastal Areas

Abstract

Indonesia faces complex challenges in managing marine fisheries resources, particularly aligning national policies with local implementation in coastal areas. This study aims to analyze the key obstacles in harmonizing regulatory frameworks and propose governance strategies that integrate ecological sustainability with the socio-economic well-being of fishers. Employing a normative legal research method with a qualitative approach, this research utilizes literature review and policy analysis techniques to examine relevant laws, academic sources, and empirical practices of community-based fisheries governance. The findings reveal persistent issues such as limited institutional capacity, low community participation, weak law enforcement, and the lack of integration of local wisdom into formal policies. However, successful cases of community-based fisheries management (CBFM) in various regions demonstrate the potential of participatory governance to enhance compliance, ecosystem conservation, and local innovation. This study contributes scientifically by offering an adaptive legal framework model for decentralized fisheries governance. It recommends strengthening local government capacity, fostering fisher participation, and providing policy incentives for sustainable practices. The research underlines the importance of inclusive and integrated approaches to improve the effectiveness of fisheries governance and realize a just, resilient, and sustainable blue economy in Indonesia.