National Fisherman Day in Indonesia Date in the current year: April 6, 2024

The Republic of Indonesia is the world’s largest island country. It is situated on more than 17,000 islands, of which about 6,000 are inhabited. No wonder that fishery plays an important role in the country’s economy. According to statistics provided by the FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department, in 2012, Indonesia’s fishery production reached approximately 8.9 million tonnes, of which inland and marine catch accounted for about 5.8 million tonnes.

That same year, almost 6.5 million people were engaged in fishing and fish farming in Indonesia. About 95% of the country’s fishery production comes from artisanal fishermen whose working conditions leave much to be desired. Lack of competent management and control in the fishing industry, as well as lack of financial and other support from the state have resulted in low income and standard of living for Indonesian fishers and fish farmers.

National Fisherman Day was established to emphasize the important contribution of Indonesian fishers to the country’s economy, as well as to raise public awareness of the challenges they face on a daily basis.