The Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, has established Project Management Office (PMO) 724 to ensure the transformation of lobster governance in Indonesia. Named after the Ministerial Regulation No. 7 of 2024, PMO 724 aims to optimize the implementation of this new regulation, including improving measures against smuggling. During the PMO 724 launch at the Ministry's office in Central Jakarta on May 15, 2024, Trenggono emphasized the need for rigorous enforcement to curb lobster smuggling and enhance regulatory compliance. PMO 724 comprises representatives from various ministry units tasked with accelerating the transformation in lobster management. This includes improving practices in capture, cultivation, quality enhancement, trade regulation, and monitoring the illegal trade of lobster seeds. The office seeks to build strong synergy with stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies like the Indonesian Navy, the National Police, and the Attorney General's Office, to strengthen oversight and eradicate smuggling.
Trenggono highlighted recent efforts to combat smuggling, which have started to show significant progress. He expressed confidence that the new regulation, coupled with intensified monitoring efforts, would further reduce illegal activities. Additionally, PMO 724 is focused on developing a robust lobster cultivation ecosystem by attracting investment and adopting advanced cultivation technologies from countries proficient in lobster farming. The initiative also aims to establish lobster farming communities to enhance the quality and capabilities of local farmers. Minister Trenggono aspires for Indonesia to become a champion in lobster management. PMO 724 will promote transparency in lobster governance by publishing critical information and data, such as non-tax state revenue from lobster seed exports and statistics on illegal captures. Secretary General of the Ministry and Daily Chief Executive of PMO 724, Comr. Gen. Pol. Prof. Dr. Rudy Heriyanto Adi Nugroho, reaffirmed his commitment to overseeing the transformation, particularly in strengthening measures against smuggling. He mentioned that the formation of PMO 724 is just the beginning, with plans to establish a task force involving various agencies to enforce laws related to illegal lobster seed exports, supported by a forthcoming presidential regulation to enhance their capabilities and budget.
