Role Models: Susi Pudjiastuti, Indonesia’s Maritime Heroine and Pride

Dec 31, 2021 | Female Role Models

Susi Pudjiastuti has been internationally praised as a Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, not only for her eccentric and blunt personality but also for her aggressive approach and effective policies to protect the ocean and maintain fisheries sustainability during her tenure in the ministry. 

The Life of Susi Pudjiastuti

Pudjiastuti was born on 15 January 1965 in Pangandaran, West Java. Before serving as a minister in President Joko Widodo’s cabinet, Pudjiastuti is an accomplished entrepreneur who runs a seafood export company and  a charter airline business, even up until now. Back when the Tsunami hit Aceh in 2004, Pudjiastuti did the humanitarian mission by sending food and supplies to Aceh, especially to the remote and isolated areas that were difficult to reach by land transportation.

In 2014, she was appointed by President Joko Widodo as the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. Her educational background created mass criticism since she had not graduated from high school, but this criticism soon sank as she had proved herself as one of the best ministers in that period. 

Pudjiastuti’s Achievement

As an Indonesian ocean pride, Pudjiastuti has received recognition in Indonesia and internationally for her dedication to the ocean as well as for her amazing entrepreneurship skills such as follows:

  • Award for Tourism Pioneer by West Java Department of Culture and Tourism in 2004,
  • Award for Pioneer Fishery Export by Governor of West Java in 2005,
  • Primaniyarta Award for Best Small & Medium Enterprise by President of Indonesia in 2005,
  • Sofyan Ilyas Award by Ministry of Marine Affair and Fisheries in 2009,
  • Award For Innovative Achievements, Extraordinary Leadership and Significant Contributions to the Economy at Women and Economy Summit (WES) USA by APEC in 2011,
  • First Women to be Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries by Indonesian Record Museum (MURI) in 2015,
  • Leaders for Living Planet Award by World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in 2016,
  • Peter Benchley Ocean Award in 2017,
  • The BBC 100 Women in 2017.

How She Inspires Us

Pudjiastuti has inspired us in so many ways.

  • She is a proven independent and strong lady who owns two big companies.
  • She proves a woman can compete and lead even in a male-dominated environment.
  • She is fearless and not afraid to do what’s right.
  • She does not look for people’s approval and is proud to be herself.
  • She continuously supports other women to be strong and to express themselves.
  • She is recognized internationally for her endless efforts in Indonesian fisheries sustainability, her continuous campaign in zero waste to the ocean, and her success in boosting fishery product export. 
  • She became a new maritime sensation and heroine by sinking illegal fishing vessels which of course became beneficial for Indonesia, especially local fishermen.

Needless to say, Indonesia and the world need more brave, inspirational, and strong women like Ibu Susi Pudjiastuti. 

A New Year’s Wish

Another year has passed by, but the pandemic is still around. We wish you a healthier life ahead, more joyous things to look forward to, and be with us in supporting young marginalized women to get a free education. Happy new year!