Masifundise and Coastal Links join the global fisher movement and the Indonesian fishing community in mourning the loss of Comrade Budi Laksana, a leader, visionary, and tireless advocate for the rights of fisherfolk. As Secretary General of the Indonesian Fishermen’s Union/Serikat Nelayan Indonesia (SNI), Budi dedicated his life to advocating for coastal communities, small fishers, traditional fisherfolks, and women whose livelihoods depend on the health and sustainability of the ocean.
Budi was known not only for his active involvement at the grassroots level in villages and provinces but also for his international reach. He played a crucial role in raising awareness on the struggles of Indonesian fisherfolk, contributing insights on food sovereignty during global forums. At the 8th General Assembly of the World Forum of Fisher Peoples, held in November 2024 in Brazil, Budi passionately spoke about the importance of food sovereignty for Indonesia’s coastal communities, emphasizing that their livelihoods were deeply intertwined with sustainable practices that had been passed down for generations.
“Food sovereignty defines many aspects,” Budi remarked during the GA-8, “such as sustainable practices that have been managed from generation to generation, access to fisheries resources, and the right for fisherfolk to access and control a healthy and clean ocean, free from pollution.” His words reflected his deep understanding of the struggles faced by fisherfolk in Indonesia and his commitment to ensuring their voices were heard.
Budi’s commitment to food sovereignty arose from his childhood experiences in a fishing family in Central Java. Growing up, he witnessed the transformation of crab, once a community staple, into a market-driven commodity due to rising demand from the American market. This shift led to increased dependency on processing companies, diminishing the autonomy of local fisherfolk. In response, Budi started a cooperative through the SNI to help fisherfolk regain independence and reduce reliance on loan sharks. He emphasized food sovereignty as not only access to resources but control over fishing territories and ocean management. Budi strongly opposed capitalist forces, particularly the WTO, and advocated for decisions to be made with fisherfolk’s input to protect coastal communities’ sovereignty.
Budi Laksana’s passing is a tragic loss, but his work and his vision for a more just and equitable world for fisherfolk will continue to resonate. As we mourn his loss, we honour his life’s work and the countless individuals whose lives have been touched by his activism. Comrade Budi Laksana’s dedication to the struggle for food sovereignty and the rights of fisherfolk will remain a guiding light for generations to come. His memory will live on in the actions of the communities he fought for and the future he helped shape.