Without realizing it, our lives cannot be separated from the sea. Even from a long time ago, we are fluent in the song "My Grandparents were Sailors" by Ibu Sud. Indonesia is fortunate to have 5.8 million km2 of water with the second longest coastline in the world. More than 8 thousand species of fish live in Indonesian waters, including various types of fishery commodities favored by the world ranging from tuna, skipjack, crab to shrimp.

However, the abundance of marine resources available would not forever be there for us to enjoy without those who fight to protect the ocean. Together with the authorities, such as the Marine Police and the Marine National Park Rangers, the community is also committed to preserving the sea.

The Marine and Fisheries Service of Alor Regency, for example, was called upon to facilitate the community's intention by forming a Community Supervisory Group (Pokmaswas). This group is the spearhead of monitoring the utilization of marine resources and they are part of a network of community-based monitoring systems.

People who are anxious about the rise of outside fishermen who compete to utilize as much marine products as possible without caring about the impact of the destruction of marine ecosystems are moved to support the government's efforts to protect the common source of life in Alor.

"We, the indigenous people here, are fed up with destructive fishing activities. Many coral reefs have been destroyed, there are few fish, what are we going to eat?" Said Mr. Robert, one of the natives of Beang Village in Alor Regency.

A similar anxiety has led the people of Koon waters to strengthen the protection of their future 'savings'. One of the patrol team members who is also a fisherman from Grogos, Ibrahim Boinau, said, "There has been no more bombing activity in Koon for two years now." Ibrahim did not deny that fish bombers still carry out their actions outside of the Koon waters.

Since 2011, the King of Kataloka and the people of Petuanan Negeri Kataloka have agreed on an initiative to protect the Koon water area in East Seram Regency, Maluku Province. The elders mandated the head of Grogos Island hamlet - whose territory is very close to the waters of Koon island - to conduct routine surveillance and security. The head of Grogos Island then assigned four residents to routinely monitor the sea area through patrol activities. "We patrol four times a week. In the morning, afternoon and evening, sometimes we also patrol at night," explained Udin Ruakat, the Grogos hamlet chief.

If violators are found using destructive fishing gear, the patrol team will report the violators to the Grogos Hamlet Chief - who will provide an explanation of the importance of marine sustainability for the survival of all fishermen in the region.

In commemoration of World Ranger Day, remember that sea guarding, maintaining cleanliness and other conservation efforts are concrete steps that we must take together. They are just some of the frontline protectors of marine habitats throughout Indonesia who are always eager to secure these waters for the sustainability of their lives and the future of children.

Thank you Indonesian ocean protectors!

Author: Noverica Widjojo - Sunda Banda Seascape Communications Coordinator