SEAFDEC/IFRDMD Marks 12th Anniversary alongside the 2026 JTF Semi-Annual Meeting
SEAFDEC Inland Fishery Resources Development and Management Department (SEAFDEC/IFRDMD) commemorated its 12th Anniversary on 2 September 2026, in conjunction with the implementation of the 2026 Japan Trust Fund (JTF) Semi-Annual Meeting. Bringing together IFRDMD staff both onsite and online, the occasion was more than a celebration of another year. It became a moment to reflect on ongoing work, shared achievements, and the journey ahead in strengthening inland fisheries development in the region.
During the JTF Semi-Annual Meeting, the coordinators of each activity presented and discussed the progress of two activities supported under the Japan Trust Fund VII (JTF VII).
The first activity, “Enhanced Research Capacities for Sustainable Utilization and Management of Eel and Other Inland Fisheries Resources,” is being implemented by SEAFDEC/IFRDMD. The activity aims to strengthen research capacities and contribute to the sustainable utilization and management of eel and other important inland fisheries resources in the Southeast Asian region. Through this initiative, research is not only viewed as a source of scientific knowledge, but also as an important foundation for better management and more sustainable use of inland fisheries resources.
The second activity, “Improving Fisher’s Livelihood and Fisheries Co-Management in Inland and Coastal Small-Scale Fisheries,” is being implemented in collaboration with the SEAFDEC Training Department (SEAFDEC/TD). This activity focuses on enhancing the livelihoods of small-scale fishers while promoting participatory and effective fisheries co-management approaches in inland communities. It highlights the importance of placing fishing communities at the heart of fisheries management, while building stronger links between livelihoods, participation, and sustainable resource use.
Through the meeting, the participants reviewed the progress of implementation, key achievements, challenges encountered, budget utilization, and necessary follow-up actions for both activities. Beyond reviewing what has been accomplished, the discussions offered a valuable space to look ahead, identify what still needs to be strengthened, and ensure that the remaining activities remain on track. The discussions also provided an opportunity to strengthen coordination among the activity teams and identify priorities for the remaining implementation period.
Following the technical discussions, the atmosphere shifted from reviewing activities to celebrating a shared journey. The meeting concluded with a joint celebration of the 12th Anniversary of SEAFDEC/IFRDMD and the 57th Anniversary of the Research Institute for Inland Fisheries and Extension of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of Indonesia (RIIFE-MMAF).
To mark the occasion, a ceremonial tumpeng cutting was led by the Deputy Chief of SEAFDEC/IFRDMD, Mr. Toru Shimoda, and the Head of RIIFE-MMAF, Mr. Rezki Anthoni. The simple yet meaningful ceremony brought together colleagues and partners in a moment of appreciation and togetherness. In Indonesian tradition, the cutting of tumpeng symbolizes gratitude for the journey and achievements accomplished, as well as prayers and hopes for continued success, togetherness, and progress in the years ahead.
The joint celebration was also a reminder that institutional milestones are built through collaboration. Over the past years, SEAFDEC/IFRDMD and RIIFE-MMAF have continued to work together in supporting research, capacity development, and the sustainable management of inland fisheries resources.
The celebration reflected the strong partnership and shared commitment of SEAFDEC/IFRDMD and RIIFE-MMAF to advancing inland fisheries research, sustainable resource management, and regional cooperation for the benefit of fisheries communities throughout Southeast Asia. As SEAFDEC/IFRDMD enters its 13th year, the anniversary carries both a sense of gratitude for what has been achieved and renewed commitment to what lies ahead: stronger science, closer cooperation, and more sustainable inland fisheries for the region.