Indonesian Maritime and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti in World Economic Forum 2013. (Photo: AFP Photo/Adek Berry)
Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries SusiPudjiastutiwas awarded the Seafood Champion Award during the Seaweb Seafood Summit held in Seattle, Washington, US, on June 5 to 7, 2017.
The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries' press release on Wednesday, stated that Susi has been awarded the 'Seafood Champion Award for leadership' for her contribution in combating illegal fishing, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing in the Fisheries Management Area of the Republic of Indonesia.
Susiis considered to have played an essential role in safeguarding ocean sustainability and responsible management practice of marine and fishery resources by banning use of bottom trawlers and other unsustainable catching devices.
The organizers also appreciated her role in cracking down slavery in fishing industry.
Susi, however could not attend the ceremony and was represented by Maritime and Fisheries Ministry secretary-generalRifkyEffendiHardijanto.
After receiving the award,Rifkyrevealed how Susi starts everything as a small-scale seafood trader inPangandaran, West Java and was one of thousand fishermen in Indonesia.
"When she was trusted by PresidentJokoWidodofor being Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, she felt responsible for ensuring that the ocean as Indonesia's greatest heritage can be relished by every Indonesian and next generations,"saidRifky.
(brl/red)
