MARITIMEPOSTS.COM – The Sorue Jaya Red-and-White Fishermen’s Village (Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih/KNMP) in Konawe Regency, Southeast Sulawesi, has begun shipping 8 tons of export-quality fish to markets outside the region. This is the first shipment since the priority program began its trial operation in August.
Director General of Capture Fisheries Lotharia Latif said the achievement indicates that KNMP is beginning to function as an economic ecosystem connecting fishermen’s production with post-harvest handling and market access.
“The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) is encouraging KNMP to become more than just an area equipped with fisheries facilities. It should become an economic engine capable of increasing productivity, added value, and fishermen’s welfare,” he said in an official statement issued in Jakarta on Wednesday (August 19).
Through the establishment of KNMP, Latif added, fishermen are also being encouraged to maintain product quality and develop their businesses in a more professional manner. To support this effort, KKP is strengthening financial literacy, access to financing, and marketing to help fishermen become independent and competitive economic actors.
During the recent celebration of Indonesia’s Independence Day, for example, KKP organized a series of community empowerment activities at KNMP Sorue Jaya. Fishermen and their families received training on business protection, updates to their e-KUSUKA data, financial management literacy, and facilitation to access financing.
“Empowerment is also directed toward developing fishermen’s family businesses through screen-printing and ecoprint training, as well as product promotion through fisheries MSME bazaars,” he explained.
According to Latif, strengthening the economy at KNMP must also provide opportunities for fishermen’s families to develop businesses, allowing development benefits to create new sources of income in coastal communities.
“If this ecosystem functions properly, fishermen will not only remain fish producers but will develop into more independent business actors with stronger bargaining positions. This is what we mean by fishermen moving up to the next level,” Latif concluded.
Source:
Public Relations Division, Directorate General of Capture Fisheries
