Evaluating the Cantrang Ban Regulation in Indonesia

Abstract

Cantrang, a modified version of a trawl used in Indonesia is seen as a problematic fishing gear. It accounts for less than 2% of all fishing gear used but has caused conflicts among fishermen and depletion of Indonesia’s fish resources. In 2015 a Ministerial Decree banned 17 fishing gears, including cantrang, but this ban has been postponed several times by the Minister. Given the advantages and disadvantages of banning cantrang, the government has been unable or unwilling to implement the law and has been easily impaired by public pressure. This study analyzes, using information from past studies, the reasoning behind the prolonged postponement of the ban, and provides suggestion for a settlement between the government and the fishermen. I find that the ban has negative economic and social impactson fishermen and the ban was seen to be too sudden, leaving governments and fishers unprepared. I recommend that the government should better socialize the upcoming ban and provide proper compensation for fishermen to ensure that the ban can be truly enforced in the near future.