For small-scale fishermen, boat documents are more than administrative paperwork. Legal registration provides evidence of vessel ownership and identity, supports shipping safety, and can become an important requirement when fishermen access government assistance programs.
However, the researchers found that some fishing boats in Lhokseumawe still operate without complete documentation. Limited administrative and digital literacy makes it difficult for some fishermen to understand the electronic registration process. As a result, the benefits of the Small E-Pas system have not yet reached all fishermen equally.
Why Small E-Pas Matters for Fishermen
Small E-Pas is an electronic ship registration document designed for small vessels. Under the policy framework cited in the study, it applies to vessels measuring 1 to 6 Gross Tonnage (GT).
The document serves several functions, including establishing vessel nationality and ownership, supporting ship registration, and providing documentation related to maritime safety. The electronic system was introduced to simplify the process and reduce the time and administrative burden associated with conventional registration.
For fishermen, having a Small E-Pas can also facilitate access to certain government programs, including fuel subsidies, fishermen's insurance, and assistance related to fishing equipment.
The need for effective implementation is particularly relevant in Lhokseumawe, a coastal city with many traditional fishermen operating small boats. The researchers also note the influence of local maritime traditions, including the Panglima Laot system, meaning that public services need to consider the social context in which fishermen work.
Study Examines How the Program Works
Nurul Fitria and her colleagues used a descriptive qualitative approach to examine how the Small E-Pas program operates in the Lhokseumawe KSOP working area.
The researchers gathered information through observations, interviews, and document analysis. Informants included ship surveyors, seaworthiness inspectors, Small E-Pas processors, safety equipment inspectors, administrative staff, and a fisherman.
The analysis used George Edward III's policy implementation framework, which examines four key factors:
Communication: whether information about the policy reaches its target group clearly and consistently.
Resources: whether personnel, facilities, technology, information, and other resources are sufficient.
Implementer disposition: whether officers demonstrate commitment and willingness to implement the policy.
Bureaucratic structure: whether procedures and divisions of responsibility are clear.
The researchers found that the Small E-Pas service already has a structured administrative process.
The process generally includes application submission, document verification, vessel measurement, seaworthiness inspection, safety equipment checks, electronic data processing, and issuance of the document.
Officers Provide Direct Assistance
One of the strengths identified in the study is the commitment of KSOP officers to assisting fishermen.
According to information from ship surveyor Deddi Agusriadi, direct explanations remain particularly effective because some fishermen find face-to-face communication easier to understand than digital information.
This finding is important because the program itself is digital, while some of its target users have limited digital literacy. Simply providing an online system does not automatically guarantee that fishermen will be able to use it effectively.
The study found that fishermen who frequently visit the KSOP office or belong to fishermen's groups are generally more likely to receive information about the program. Meanwhile, fishermen who rarely interact with government officers may have limited knowledge of the registration requirements.
Fisherman Affdal Munir Abbas also indicated that some fishermen only become aware of Small E-Pas when they need documents to access government assistance.
This uneven flow of information is one of the main weaknesses in the program's implementation.
Digital Literacy and Infrastructure Remain Obstacles
The researchers identified several barriers that prevent the program from operating optimally.
The first is limited administrative and digital literacy. Some fishermen still do not fully understand the importance of vessel legality or the steps required to obtain Small E-Pas.
The second is uneven socialization. Information does not always reach fishermen who are outside formal fishermen's groups or who have limited contact with the KSOP office.
The third concerns human resources and digital infrastructure. Although officers with specific responsibilities are available, their numbers may not always match service demands. The electronic system also depends on reliable internet connectivity and digital infrastructure.
Technical problems such as network disruptions can delay data entry, verification, and document processing.
Another issue is that some fishermen arrive with incomplete documents because the administrative flow is not yet fully understood.
Six Measures Recommended to Improve the Program
The researchers identify several practical measures that could make Small E-Pas services more effective.
First, socialization should be expanded beyond the KSOP office to places where fishermen actually work, including ports, fish auction facilities, and fish landing sites.
Second, information about requirements should be simplified. Written checklists, examples of required documents, and easy-to-follow service flowcharts could help fishermen understand what they need before submitting an application.
Third, fishermen should receive more direct assistance throughout the registration process.
Fourth, digital facilities and service infrastructure need to be strengthened to reduce disruptions caused by technical problems.
Fifth, coordination should be improved among the KSOP, fisheries agencies, local governments, fishermen's groups, Panglima Laot, and community leaders.
Sixth, information about the connection between vessel legality and shipping safety should be incorporated into fishermen's education.
Legal Boats Can Support Safer Fishing
The study by Nurul Fitria and colleagues from Universitas Senior Medan shows that digital public services can support more orderly and safer small-scale fisheries, but technology alone is not enough.
The success of Small E-Pas depends on whether fishermen understand the system, have access to reliable services, and receive sufficient assistance from government officers.
The researchers conclude that the program has been implemented through a clear administrative mechanism and that officers demonstrate strong commitment to serving fishermen. Nevertheless, communication, resources, digital literacy, and understanding of procedures still need improvement.
The implications extend beyond administrative efficiency. Better vessel registration can strengthen government data on small fishing boats, support maritime safety, and potentially improve fishermen's access to social and economic assistance programs.
The study therefore suggests that the digitalization of maritime services should be accompanied by human-centered assistance. For communities with limited digital literacy, bringing information and support directly to fishing locations may be more effective than relying solely on online services.
Author Profile
Nurul Fitria, Fidhia Aruni, Muhaddis, and Rabiatul Adawiyah are affiliated with Universitas Senior Medan. Ana Zahara is affiliated with Universitas Mohammad Natsir Bukittinggi. Their research in this article focuses on public policy implementation, maritime administration, digital public services, fishing vessel legality, and shipping safety. Academic degrees for the individual authors were not provided in the source material.
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