The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) remains committed to advancing the marine and fisheries sector, including through the strengthening of coastal community-based blue economy and gender mainstreaming by involving fisherwomen.

The Directorate General of Capture Fisheries (DJPT) of KKP held a Fisheries Product Processing Diversification Training for Fisherwomen in Morotai from April 27 to 29, 2025. The event was facilitated through funding from the Coastal Fisheries Initiatives (CFI) Indonesia Project.

The training was attended by 30 women participants from the villages of Mandiri, Daeo Majiko, and Daeo. They were divided into three groups of ten. Coordinated by the Directorate for the Protection and Empowerment of Fishermen (PPN), the training aimed to enhance fish processing skills which are based on local potentials while also strengthening household economies in coastal areas through business diversification.

In his remarks, Adipati Rahmat Gumelar, Project Manager of CFI Indonesia, stated that the training is part of replicating best practices developed during the implementation of the CFI ID Project. He stressed the importance of expanding the project's positive impact through an approach that not only focuses on the production sector but also empowers coastal communities socially.

“Through this replication of best practices, we aim to ensure that blue economy development goes hand in hand with local community empowerment and opens access to new economic opportunities,” he said.

Support from the local government was also conveyed by John Tiala, Head of the Morotai Regency Fisheries Service. In his speech, he emphasized that empowering fisherwomen is a strategic step in improving the welfare and economic resilience of coastal communities.

“We hope this training strengthens the capacity of fisherwomen in Morotai, not only in terms of skills but also in building competitive businesses,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Mahrus, Director of Protection and Empowerment of Fishermen (PPN), highlighted the importance of fisheries-based business diversification as a way to increase the added value of local products.

“With processing skills mastery and legal business supports such as NIB and PIRT, we hope Morotai’s local products can compete nationally and even internationally,” he explained.

As part of the gender mainstreaming commitment in this project, CFI Gender Specialist Faridatun Amalia Hasanah encouraged all participants to cultivate personal commitment in running and developing their businesses in the future.

“Women’s empowerment doesn’t end with this training. The commitment of all the mothers to continue learning, innovating, and sustaining their businesses is crucial so the impact of this training can be felt in the long term,” she stressed.

She also noted that this training represents equal access for women in the sustainable fisheries sector, which serves as the foundation for the blue economy.

The technical training was facilitated by an instructor from the Fisheries Training and Extension Center (BBP3KP), Ms. Levi, who guided participants in making tuna-based fish balls, a flagship product of Morotai. On the second day, participants continued with shredded fish production. On the third day, the training was concluded with the facilitation of making Business Identification Numbers (NIB) and PIRT to strengthen the legality of the group's business.

The implementation of this training was part of the CFI Indonesia Project's active support for the Inauguration of Daeo Majiko Fishing Port, a Morotai Integrated Marine and Fisheries Center, by the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of the Republic of Indonesia, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono. This inauguration marked a strategic step in the development of a blue economy-based marine and fisheries sector in Eastern Indonesia, with local community empowerment as the main pillar in maintaining the sustainability of marine resources.

Through this initiative, participants are expected to develop independent businesses based on local fisheries products, strengthen the economic resilience of coastal families, and become part of an inclusive, sustainable, and equitable blue economy movement in Morotai Regency.