JALA is the Advocacy Network for North Sumatra Fisherfolk.

Founded by a coalition of NGOs and activists in 1997, their mission is to unite traditional fisherfolk communities against trawling through campaigning, advocacy and capacity building with local fisher movements.

JALA brings together fishers and NGOs to address the problems faced by traditional fisherfolk, particularly the increasing poverty levels found in many fishing communities. JALA’s mission and vision is to stop the unsustainable exploitation of coastal areas in order to achieve sustainable livelihoods as well as the protection of local marine environments.

EJF has been providing film and advocacy training JALA since 2006, building their capacity to work and campaign with local artisanal fisherfolk to end the devastating impacts that illegal trawl fishing is having on communities and local marine biodiversity. With EJF’s support JALA is promoting peaceful solutions to a conflict between local fishermen and the illegal trawlers that has claimed over 200 lives. Field investigation, film and editing training from EJF have contributed to the production of JALA’s first documentary "Stop Trawl", highlighting both the environmental and social impacts of illegal trawlers. EJF has also been working with JALA to further develop the NGO’s research and campaign expertise, including the production of a report on illegal trawling in Sumatra.
 
Members of JALA filming their first documentary “Stop Trawl”
Members of JALA filming their first documentary “Stop Trawl”
Most recently a combined EJF and JALA team travelled to lobby the Indonesian Government and International Community to do more to combat illegal fishing in the country. Significantly, JALA were invited to take part in a meeting hosted by Dr. Suseno – Director of Fisheries Resource Management for the Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. The door has now been opened for a similar meeting to take place in Sumatra. For the first time, EJF and JALA have an opportunity to bring together all the stakeholders in the illegal fishing trade, including representatives from local, regional and national government, the UN, the NGO community and the businesses involved in illegal fishing activities. Most importantly the traditional fishing communities being hit the hardest by dwindling fish stocks will be given the platform to describe the awful consequences illegal fishing is having on their lives, and the opportunity to increase their role in the sustainable management of local marine resources – perhaps finally leading to an end to the violence once and for all.

WHO IS JALA?

Read about JALA and its work

REPORT:

Read the JALA and EJF report on illegal trawling in North Sumatra

FILM:

Watch Stop Trawling film below: For more information on Jala visit www.jalanet.org