eacrest Indonesia (SCI) in collaboration with the Ballu Village government has started concrete action in monitoring the use of marine resources by establishing a Fisheries Monitoring Community Group (POKMASWAS) in Ballu Village. This activity is the initial activity in a series of Seacrest Indonesia's Global Environment Small Grants Program (GEF-SGP).

It started with community anxiety regarding the emergence of non-environmentally friendly fishing activities carried out by fishermen from outside the village.

"Some time ago, we often encountered fishermen using bombs in the sea here (Ballu Village), but they did not come from Raijua Island," said Welhemus Wila, representative of Raijua District in his speech at the Socialization and Formation of Fisheries POKMASWAS at the Ballu Village Hall. , Tuesday (30/1/2024).

This activity was attended by 25 Ballu village residents who live in coastal areas. Starting with a presentation of material related to Fisheries POKMASWAS delivered by the GEF-SGP Seacrest Indonesia Program Coordinator, M. Salauddin R. Djarod. The introduction to the 3M concept in POKMASWAS is conveyed in applicable language so that it is easy for participants to understand.

“3M is about seeing, recording and reporting. "Gentlemen can see directly activities that violate regulations or have the potential to damage marine ecosystems, after that you can record these activities and report them to the authorities for action," he explained in the material presentation.

The formation of the Fisheries POKMASWAS was carried out after a material presentation led by the Head of Ballu Village, Ruben Radja Gewi. It was agreed during the deliberation that Hosea Ferdinan Boni Geti would be the Chair of the Fisheries POKMASWAS in Ballu Village.  

Later, in carrying out supervision, Pokmaswas will be equipped with knowledge about conservation areas, types of protected biota, leadership, organization and procedures for speaking in public (public speaking). The next activity is to conduct RUM (Resource Use Monitoring) method training for Pokmaswas members who will later be able to provide regular reports to the Kupang DKP and PSDKP to continue monitoring and supervising.

Writer: M. Salauddin R. Djarod
Editor: Jan Ericson W.S