KIARA - The People's Coalition for Fisheries Justice

The People's Coalition for Fisheries Justice (KIARA) is a non-governmental organization established in 2003. This non-profit organization was initiated by WALHI, Bina Desa, JALA (Fishermen's Advocacy Network for North Sumatra), Federation of Fishermen Archipelago (FSNN), and individuals.   

Since its establishment, KIARA has been committed to strengthening fishers’ groups and people living in coastal regions and small islands,  in order to obtain protection and welfare of their communities, which are duties supposed to be fulfilled by theGovernment of the Republic of Indonesia. Since the IV General Assembly in Jakarta, January 2011, KIARA has been focusing on: (1) Increasing the capacity of fisher organizations in voicing their basic rights to be heard and implemented by the government; (2) Recognition of the role of fisher women in the national fisheries policy; (3) Replication of cooperative institutions and joint business groups managed by traditional fishers.

As a coalition organization, KIARA has basic organizational values, namely: gender justice; democracy; accountability; respect for, and recognition, of local rights and wisdom; and egalitarian principles. Therefore, KIARA believes that direct and active involvement of fishers’ organizations in every organizational strategic decision will add to the weight of KIARA’s advocacy, as well as accelerating the realization of Fisheries Justice.