The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) continues to promote the empowerment of fishers in Eastern Indonesia. One such effort is the Ecoprint product-making training for fisherwomen in West Waigeo Islands District. The training, organized in collaboration with the Fisheries Service of Raja Ampat Regency, was funded by the GEF 6 CFI Indonesia grant.

The training took place over three days, from March 19 to 21, 2025, at the meeting hall of Kampung Paam (Paam Hamlet). Its aim was to improve the participants’ welfare and economic skills.

The Regent of Raja Ampat, Orideko Iriano Burdam, S.IP., MM., M.Ec.Dev., expressed appreciation for the GEF 6 CFI Indonesia initiative in collaboration with the Raja Ampat Fisheries Service.

“I highly appreciate what GEF 6 CFI Indonesia has done for Raja Ampat, especially for the fisherwomen in Waigeo Barat Kepulauan. This program provides them with the opportunity to be creative and earn an income,” said Orideko.

As a concrete support, the Regent came together with the Acting Head of the Raja Ampat Cooperatives and SMEs Service, Sisca Wanma, S.Hut., M.Ec.Dev., to ensure that the Ecoprint products receive marketing support and wider market access.

“The presence of the Acting Head of the Cooperatives and SMEs Service here is intended to ensure that your work gets the attention of the local government. With good marketing access, I believe the economic opportunities in this region will grow,” he added to the women participants.

The Acting Head of the Raja Ampat Fisheries Service, Dr. Yosep H.W. Mirino, M.Ec.Dev., also commended the GEF 6 CFI Indonesia program for involving women in West Waigeo Islands District.

“I am very impressed that this time, women are directly involved in the GEF 6 CFI Indonesia program,” said Yosep Mirino.

Furthermore, Yosep explained that this is the third time GEF 6 CFI Indonesia has held activities in Raja Ampat. Previously, it organized a sea-cleaning action in Sapokren involving both men and women, and a boat engine repair activity in Kampung Warsambin involving male fishers. Now, it's the fisherwomen’s turn to enhance their skills through Ecoprint product making training.

The training was attended by 30 participants from Kampung Paam, Saukabu, and Saupapir. With this program, it is hoped that the fisherwomen of Raja Ampat will be able to develop sustainable and independent businesses while  improving their family’s welfare.