Decentralization Policy: An Opportunity for Strengthening Fisheries Management System?

Abstract

Decentralization is considered the most appropriate form of fisheries governance in which to enable local governments to fundamentally control local fishing by a community-based fisheries management (CBFM) system. The CBFM systems in Indonesia were established and rooted in traditional fishing communities. Nevertheless, the role of these systems has been somewhat undermined by the central government because political decision states that marine areas must be nationally owned. In the decentralization era, however, these traditional systems may be reconsidered as the main social and cultural capital of fisheries management, particularly for coastal fisheries. Based on a case study in Lombok Barat, this article reveals some positive impacts of decentralization policy: state recognition to CBFM systems, devolution of fisheries management to the local people, and strengthening of CBFM systems. These impacts show that decentralization can be an external factor for strengthening the CBFM system.