A total of 30 fishers from Manokwari Regency and Wondama Bay Regency, West Papua Province, participated in training to become instructors or champions in boat engine repair and the assembly of environmentally friendly fishing gear. This activity is part of the Coastal Fisheries Initiative (CFI) Indonesia program, a collaboration between the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) and the WWF US GEF Agency, which empowers small-scale fishers in eastern Indonesia.

Group photo: Training of Trainer for Fisher Champions in the field of Fisheries Vessel Engine Repair and Fishing Gear Assembly in Manokwari Regency, West Papua Province, in collaboration with the Center for Fishing and was facilitated through the GEF 6 CFI Indonesia grant funding. Manokwari (October 14–16, 2025)

The three-day training took place from October 14 to 16, 2025, at the Padarni Subdistrict Meeting Hall in West Manokwari District. The training emphasized practical skills (75%) with the remaining (25%) allocated for theory. Participants—24 men and 6 women—did not just listen to lectures but practiced disassembling engines, replacing impellers, and assembling fish collapsible traps with their own hands.

Fisher-Friendly and Environmentally Friendly Technology

The training focused on two main skills: (i) Maintenance and repair of outboard motors, which are essential for small fishing boats. (ii) Assembly of fish collapsible traps, an environmentally friendly fishing tool developed by the Center for Fishing (BBPI) and efficient for local waters.

“This training was designed so that participants truly understand the technical applications in the field, not just the theories,” said Tri Wahyu Wibowo, a marine engine expert from BBPI Semarang.

Technical teams from Yamaha Marine and several expert instructors including Fadli Akbar Sumarlan, Syamsul Arifin, Rakhman Setiawan, and Yazid Zaini also provided guidance.

Becoming Trainers in Their Own Villages

The training was officially opened by the Acting Head of the West Papua Marine Affairs and Fisheries Office, Henok Nimbrod Indouw, who encouraged participants to become agents of change in their communities.

The Training of Trainer for Fisher Champions in the field of Fisheries Vessel Engine Repair and Fishing Gear Assembly in Manokwari Regency was opened by the Acting Head of the Marine Affairs and Fisheries Office of West Papua, Henok Nimbrod Indouw (October 14, 2025)

“You are selected fishers. We hope that you will share this knowledge with other fisher groups. Outboard engines and fishing gear are the backbone of small-scale fishing livelihoods,” he emphasized.

He added that this training supports not only technical skills but also the economic independence of coastal communities.

Hands-On Field Learning

On the first day, participants were introduced to the working principles of outboard motors, engine components, and basic maintenance techniques. The session, delivered by Fadli Akbar Sumarlan, was immediately followed by hands-on engine disassembly and reassembly practice.

Practical Training on Marine Engine Repair and Fish Capture Gear Assembly in Manokwari Regency (October 14-15, 2025)

On the second day, the training atmosphere became more intensive. Outboard engines were dismantled one by one. Participants cleaned salt deposits blocking the cooling system, replaced spark plugs, inspected fuel filters, and changed gear oil. One participant from Manokwari stated:

“It turns out that the vibrating engine sound was caused by salt deposits. After cleaning it, the engine runs normally again. We were taught directly how to repair it. This is important, because if the engine breaks down at sea, we can fix it ourselves.”

On the third day, the focus shifted to fishing gear. Participants were introduced to collapsible fish traps, an environmentally friendly tool that is portable and easy to use. They assembled the traps from scratch, including building the frame, sewing the webbing, and installing the trap entrances.

Practical Training on Collapsible Fish Trap Assembly in Manokwari (October 16, 2025)

“At first, I thought making collapsible fish traps would be complicated, but it turns out to be fun. It can even be done at home,” said Samsul, a fisherman from Wondama Bay who joined the training.

Strong Collaboration from Upstream to Downstream

This initiative involved not only MMAF and BBPI, but was also the result of multi-stakeholder collaboration. The opening event was attended by Edi Kurniawan from the Ternate Nusantara Fishing Port and Dita Mulyadi from GEF-6 CFI Indonesia.

Dita explained that this training is part of a global effort to protect marine resources inclusively.

“Small-scale fishers play an important role in fisheries resource use. Programs like this help them become more independent, resilient, and sustainable. We appreciate the strong cooperation that has been developed,” she said.

The main goal of Directorate General of Capture Fisheries (DJPT) is to foster advanced, independent, and resilient fishers. Through training like this, fishers are expected to maintain their vessels and fishing gear without relying entirely on external technicians.

5,300 Fishers Have Benefited

Separately, GEF-6 CFI Indonesia Project Manager Adipati Rahmat stated that by 2025, more than 5,300 fishers across Indonesia have benefited from similar technical trainings. His team is ready to support the national Red-and-White Fishing Village (Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih) program launched by the government as an effort to strengthen coastal economies through knowledge-based development.

“Activities like this are a tangible manifestation of our contribution in supporting the national agenda and SDGs. From machine training to fishing gear, from the sea to policy,” he said.

The Ocean Is the Future

This training emphasizes an important point: technical capability is key to independence. When fishers can maintain their own boats and make their own fishing gear, they become more resilient to economic challenges, extreme weather, and rising operational costs.

The collaboration among MMAF, BBPI Semarang, GEF-6 CFI Indonesia, and the West Papua regional government is an example of how practical, hands-on training and appropriate technology can create real impact.

More than just training, this is an investment in the future — for a more sustainable ocean, stronger fishers, and more empowered coastal communities.