Co-creating Cultures for the Future Week
TUNA TALKS - WORLD TUNA DAY
Exploring Tradition, Heritage & Sustainability in Indonesia’s Tuna Fisheries
Republic of Indonesia
Tuna Talks at the Indonesia Pavilion during the Osaka World Expo 2025 will explore the intersection of tradition, heritage, and sustainability in Indonesia's tuna fisheries.
Recorded video available
Discussion
- Historical heritage
- Local community revitalisation
| Transmission of simultaneous interpretation | Provided |
|---|---|
| Language of interpretation | Japanese |
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Track Programme
- Time and
Date of
the event -
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2025.05.02[Fri]
10:00 ～ 12:00
(Venue Open 09:30)
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- Venue
- Pavilion
- Indonesia Pavilion
Programme details
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The session, organized by Indonesia Tuna Consortium, aims to spotlight Indonesia’s traditional and sustainable tuna fisheries.
Panel discussions will feature experts and industry leaders addressing three main themes:
- Traditional & Sustainable Fisheries - Highlighting one-by-one tuna fishing methods like pole-and-line and handline, rooted in community wisdom and sustainability.
Coinciding with World Tuna Day, the session will highlight traditional fishing methods such as huhate (pole-and-line), kite fishing, and the sasi marine management system. By showcasing these practices, the Indonesia Tuna Consortium aims to promote sustainable fisheries and strengthen Indonesia’s leadership in responsible seafood trade. The event will feature panel discussions, presentations, and interactive engagements, fostering dialogue between Indonesian and Japanese stakeholders and emphasizing the shared cultural heritage and sustainable practices of both nations.- Cultural Heritage - Exploring the historical and culinary significance of tuna in Indonesia and Japan, emphasizing shared traditions and artisanal practices.
- Sustainability & Collaboration - Advocating for responsible seafood sourcing and fostering international cooperation.
Speakers will include representatives from YKAN, IPNLF, MDPI, and Japanese partners(tbc), discussing topics like the sasi system's impact, innovations in tuna fisheries, and climate resilience for coastal communities. Interactive sessions will provide opportunities for dialogue with policymakers, industry experts, and the public.
By connecting Indonesia’s heritage-driven practices with Japan’s culinary traditions, Tuna Talks aims to strengthen international partnerships and position Indonesia as a leader in sustainable fisheries.
Reports
【Reflection】
The “Tuna Talks and Business Forum,” held to mark World Tuna Day 2025, successfully showcased the growing partnership between Indonesia and Japan in promoting sustainable tuna fisheries. As Indonesia accounts for approximately 17% of global tuna supply and Japan is its largest importer, the forum highlighted their shared commitment to responsible fisheries and long-term marine resource management.
Indonesia presented a range of forward-looking initiatives, including support for small-scale fishing communities, the implementation of Fishery Improvement Projects (FIP), and the use of electronic catch documentation and traceability systems. These measures aim to improve both sustainability and competitiveness in global markets, while aligning with international standards.
The forum also highlighted the role of traditional, community-led management practices such as sasi, which have contributed to effective resource conservation. These locally rooted systems are being integrated with modern techniques to balance cultural continuity with scientific resource management.
Japan contributed valuable expertise in pole-and-line fishing methods and quality control, demonstrating how traditional practices can be refined to meet evolving market demands. The Japanese approach also reflected the importance of consumer awareness and ethical sourcing, which are increasingly shaping the global seafood trade.
A key theme throughout the discussions was the promotion of a “blue economy”—an economic model that seeks to use ocean resources sustainably for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and the health of marine ecosystems. This concept underpins the collaborative efforts between the two countries, with both sides recognising the need to integrate environmental responsibility into economic development strategies.
The forum served as a platform for mutual learning and exchange, fostering dialogue among policymakers, industry actors, and fishing communities. It strengthened the foundation for further bilateral cooperation in developing resilient and sustainable tuna fisheries, while also contributing to broader global efforts to protect ocean resources for future generations.
【Post EXPO Initiatives】
Building on the success of the forum, post-event efforts are focused on translating shared knowledge into practical cooperation. A key priority is promoting technical exchanges between fishers in both countries. Programmes are being developed to transfer Japan’s expertise in pole-and-line fishing and quality control to Indonesian small-scale fisheries, thereby enhancing both sustainability and economic value.
Joint pilot projects, mutual field visits, and hands-on training sessions are planned to foster deeper engagement. In parallel, both sides are working to strengthen digital traceability and certification systems. Japan’s experience in supply chain management will support Indonesia in establishing internationally recognised frameworks to combat illegal fishing and meet export standards.
Consumer awareness initiatives are also being prepared, including campaigns to promote sustainable seafood and fair trade products. Financial literacy education and support for market access are set to empower small-scale fishers and improve livelihoods at the community level.
These efforts reaffirm the shared vision of Japan and Indonesia to co-develop a sustainable tuna industry. The forum’s outcomes have laid the groundwork for long-term collaboration, and both countries will continue to lead by example in the global shift towards ethical, inclusive, and environmentally responsible fisheries.
Cast
Moderator
THILMA KOMALING
INDONESIA TUNA CONSORTIUM
Thilma Komaling is an environment and technology leader with over 20 years of experience driving social impact. She pioneered Car Free Day, shaped Indonesia's National AI strategy, and facilitated the Indonesia Tuna Harvest Strategy. As Strategic Leader of the Indonesia Tuna Consortium and a leader at Women Earth Alliance, she advocates for sustainable fisheries and cross-sector collaboration to protect Indonesia’s tuna stocks.
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Speakers
GLAUDY PERDANAHARDJA
YAYASAN KONSERVASI ALAM NUSANTARA
Glaudy Perdanahardja is a leading expert in conservation science and management with over two decades of experience in Indonesia and the Asia Pacific. He has been instrumental in supporting initiatives to protect Indonesia's environment and globally significant habitats, aiding their adaptation to climate change. With expertise spanning diverse ecosystems, from snowy peaks to tropical marine environments, he has effectively managed substantial government grants focused on marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Glaudy has led the development of new initiatives in small-scale fisheries management, including the application of Territorial Use of Rights for Fisheries. He is also a skilled relationship builder with key stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society, private entities, and local communities.
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SRI SUMIATI JALIL
MASYARAKAT DAN PERIKANAN INDONESIA
Sri Jalil joined MDPI Foundation in 2019 as the FairTrade Assistant in Maluku and became Fair Trade Coordinator in 2023. With nearly six years of experience in community empowerment and Fair Trade USA certification compliance, she has played a key role in strengthening coastal communities.
At MDPI, Sri has found purpose and fulfillment, making a tangible impact on the lives of hundreds of small-scale fishers while witnessing their growth firsthand.
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KAI GARCIA NEEFJES
Yayasan IPNLF Indonesia / IPNLF (International Pole & Line Foundation)
Kai is the Indonesia Program Lead at IPNLF, where he develops and promotes Indonesia's one-by-one tuna fisheries. He brings over three years of experience in small-scale tuna fisheries in Indonesia, including his previous work with MDPI, where he supported fisheries and community organization programs. Kai has cultivated partnerships with NGOs, governments, and academics to advance sustainable tuna fisheries management. His expertise stems from a combination of academic foundations and field experience in Belize and Indonesia, giving him a holistic understanding of marine ecosystems and fisheries.
Innovation in Indonesia's one-by-one tuna fisheries: learning from Japan's experiences
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Co-organiser
Indonesia Tuna Consortium,
Co-creating Cultures for the Future Week
TUNA TALKS - WORLD TUNA DAY
Exploring Tradition, Heritage & Sustainability in Indonesia’s Tuna Fisheries
Tuna Talks at the Indonesia Pavilion during the Osaka World Expo 2025 will explore the intersection of tradition, heritage, and sustainability in Indonesia's tuna fisheries.
-
2025.05.02[Fri]
10:00～12:00
(Venue Open 09:30)
- Pavilion
- * Programme times and content are subject to change. Any changes will be announced on this website and via the ticket booking system.
- * The schedule is subject to change depending on the organiser's circumstances.
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Co-creating Cultures for the Future Week
