Jakarta, Sept. 11 -- Indonesia advocated strengthening small-scale fishers as a vital element of sustainable marine and fisheries development at the 37th Session of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Committee on Fisheries (COFI) in Rome, Italy.

Marine Affairs and Fisheries Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono said the global commitment to supporting small-scale fishing communities must be backed by policies and actionable programs that deliver direct and tangible benefits.

"As the world's largest archipelagic nation, Indonesia remains fully committed to sustainable fisheries that protect the ocean, strengthen food security, and improve the welfare of fishing communities," Trenggono said in an official statement on Thursday (Septembe...