Susi Pudjiastuti, Indonesia's Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, caught the attention of Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio for tightening regulations at Indonesian waters, and protecting its oceans, that he even deemed her a brave woman who inspired the world.
“Fisheries Minister Susi ramped up monitoring efforts, held illegal fishers accountable and is leading the way to a new era of transparency in fisheries management by making Indonesia’s Vessel Monitoring System available to the Global Fishing Watch platform, which my foundation was very proud to fund and launch,” DiCaprio, who is a known environmentalist praised the minister during World Oceans Day event on June 8 in New York.
And perhaps, the hardworking woman’s efforts were not gone unnoticed by fellow Indonesians as a Facebook user named Jim B. Aditya posted a picture of her sleeping on a couch at the JFK Airport VIP Lounge after the event.
He wrote a message saying: “The strong women should be named the mother of Indonesian Ocean. Falling asleep at VIP Lounge of JFK Airport, New York, after attending the UN Conference on the ocean in New York, the United States, the day before.”
“I wish health on you and courage to manage the country which is in shambles thanks to corruptors, Bu Susi,” Jim relayed.
According to TEMPO.CO, Susi was one of the panelists in New York who spoke about fishery management and illegal fishing that has depleted Indonesia’s marine resource stock. Between 2003 to 2013, illegal fishing caused Indonesia to lose 30 per cent of fish supplies.
In her speech, she called on other UN country members to wage a war against illegal fishing and restrict fish quota.
When Susi took over as minister, she issued anti-illegal fishing policies, which include the moratorium on foreign fishing vessel permits, bans on transshipment, and bans on environmentally-unfriendly fishing equipment; resulting in increased fish supplies from 6.5 tons in 2014 to 12 tons in 2016.
And her stern stance in combating illegal fishing, had also won her a Seafood Champion Award in the category of leadership for the Seaweb Seafood Summit held in Seattle, the United States.
On the Facebook shared photo, netizens were quick to praise Susi saying:
"This is an official who cares about her people, especially fishermen. Bravo, Mrs Susi."
“Strong woman…out of this world. May you always be in good health.”
“Every step she takes and her intentions are only for Indonesia. Keep striving Bu Susi, may you be protected from slander, envy and jealousy.”
“This is the image of a tough woman who takes a short break to work longer. Stay healthy always Bu Susi.
Jim’s posting also garnered over 23,000 likes and 3,000 shares at the time of writing, while the minister’s photo made it in the local dailies as well as on Indonesian news networks.
Susi is known as an unconventional politician, as she is a high school dropout without any previous political experience.
Coconuts Jakarta highlighted, she has become one of Indonesia’s most adored and trusted leaders due to her honesty, and her proven ability to do her job well.
Based on a survey in 2015 by Indonesian Survey Institute (LSI), Susi also had the highest approval rating as the best-performing minister in President Joko Widodo’s Cabinet.
-mD
