KKP boosts worker competency to maintain tuna quality
The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has stated that it continues to work to improve the competency of fish processing workers through certification for tuna freezing operators in order to maintain the quality and competitiveness of Indonesian tuna products.
Head of the Marine and Fisheries Training Centre Joni Haryadi said workers in processing units play an important role in maintaining fish quality from landing until it becomes a value-added product.
Joni said human resource development in the fisheries sector needs to reach the entire business chain, including workers in processing units.
“Therefore, they need to have equal access to competency improvement and recognition of the skills they possess,” he said.
A total of 25 workers from 11 tuna processing companies in Benoa, Bali, took part in a competency assessment for tuna freezing operators held in early August.
The competency assessment was a continuation of a capacity-building training programme for tuna freezing workers carried out in December 2025.
After completing the training, participants continued the certification process through the Tuna Freezing Operator Occupational Certification Scheme issued by the National Professional Certification Agency (BNSP) in June 2026.
The competency assessment was conducted through written tests, interviews and practical exercises referring to the Indonesian National Work Competency Standards (SKKNI) for the tuna freezing sector.
Participants were assessed on eight competency units, ranging from the application of occupational health and safety (K3), receiving and washing raw materials, chilling, butchering, storage in the chilling room, freezing, to packaging.
Head of the Centre for Standardisation and Certification of Marine and Fisheries Human Resources A. Rita Tisiana Dwi Kuswardani said certification serves as an instrument to ensure that workers’ abilities can be measured against the standards required in the workplace.
“In tuna processing, this is directly related to precision in handling, safety, quality consistency and process efficiency,” she said.
She added that competency certificates can serve as professional proof of workers’ skills. For companies, the presence of competent human resources can help ensure that production processes meet standards and maintain product quality consistency.
Programme Director of Destructive Fishing Watch (DFW) Indonesia Imam Trihatmadja assessed that certification can also strengthen the position of workers in the tuna processing industry chain.
According to him, certification is not merely a document, but recognition of the skills of workers who have long been an important part of the tuna industry.
He added that the certification is expected to strengthen the position of workers while opening up space for better protection and capacity development.