To strengthen human resources (HR) capacity in the fisheries sector, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) through Ambon Nusantara Fishing Port (PPN), in collaboration with the GEF 6 Coastal Fisheries Initiative (CFI) Indonesia, held a Training of Trainers (TOT) for Champion Fishers program. This activity aims to equip small-scale fishers with technical skills while empowering them to become agents of change in their respective regions.

The TOT program lasted four days and was attended by about 30 selected fishers from fishing centers in Maluku, West Papua, and Southwest Papua. Among the participants, two were women fishers. The training covered outboard engine repair, assembly of eco-friendly fishing gears, and the use of navigation technologies such as GPS and fishfinders.

Group photo of participants and resource persons of the TOT for Champion Fishers program in the fields of fishing vessel engine repair, gear assembly, and GPS use at Ambon PPN, Maluku Province.

The program was officially opened by the Head of the Maluku Provincial Marine Affairs and Fisheries Office (DKP), Erawan Asikin, following remarks from the Head of Ambon PPN and representatives of GEF 6 CFI Indonesia PMU. In his speech, Head of Ambon PPN, Jafar Sahubawa, emphasized that participants are future trainers who will become champions in their regions by sharing the knowledge and skills acquired.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Maluku DKP highlighted the importance of understanding operational regulations and licensing, including the legal placement of fishing aids like rumpons or fish aggregating devices (FADs). He hoped that the training would not only strengthen technical skills but also improve compliance with fisheries regulations.

Symbolic Handover of Seafarer’s Book and Seminar Kit to Fishers or Fishing Vessel Crews

Training Materials and Field Practice

The training consisted of theory and practice sessions. On the first day, there was an introduction to the material and an opening ceremony in the form of a symbolic handover of seafarer books and seminar kits to participants. On the second day, participants practiced maintaining and repairing outboard engines, guided directly by teams from Yamaha, Suzuki, and instructors from the Center for Fishing (BBPI) Semarang.

Stefan Hans from Yamaha Marine provided technical guidance on dismantling and maintaining 15 HP engines. He stressed the importance of self-maintenance by fishers to save costs and improve safety at sea. Rullyanto Fransiscus, a Suzuki representative, also expressed his appreciation, noting that the training helped fishers directly overcome technical challenges in the field.

Participants practiced fishing vessel engine repairs, learning how to maintain and fix outboard engines, as well as assemble simple fishing gear for use at sea.

Fishers’ Voices: Knowledge with Direct Impact

One participant, La Husen, a fisher from Negeri Ureng, shared his experience. He admitted that although he had been fishing for a long time, this training provided new and much-needed knowledge, especially on handling engine breakdowns at sea. He hoped that similar training could be held regularly so more fishers could benefit.

The third day focused on assembling fish traps (bubu), an environmentally friendly fishing technology. Participants were taught how to assemble and use bubu effectively for fishing activities.

On the fourth day, the program concluded with practical training on using GPS and fishfinders. Participants learned to read digital sea navigation and apply it directly on board to improve fishing effectiveness and safety.

Participants were trained in using GPS and fishfinders

Distribution of Assistance and Certificates

The closing ceremony was held on August 15, 2025, attended by the Head of Ambon PPN, representatives of GEF 6 CFI Indonesia PMU, BBPI Semarang, and industry partners such as Yamaha Marine. During the event, assistance in the form of machines was handed over, certificates were presented, and minutes were signed as a symbol of shared commitment to supporting the empowerment of fishers.

Tri Wahyu Wibowo, an instructor from BBPI Semarang, stated that participants were selected based on their abilities and commitment. He hoped they could serve as trainers in their communities, passing on the knowledge to other fishers. The enthusiasm of participants showed that such training is highly needed.

Producing Trainers, Boosting Competitiveness

Adipati Rahmat, Project Manager of GEF 6 CFI Indonesia, stated that this activity is part of the collaboration between MMAF (particularly the Directorate of Fish Resources Management) and US WWF as the GEF Agency. Since it began in 2020 and will run until 2026, the program has supported fishing ports and fisher communities in Eastern Indonesia.

According to him, the main strength of this program lies in its “grounded” nature—directly addressing fishers’ needs. He explained that similar training has been conducted in Wondama Bay, Eastern Seram, Kaimana, Southeast Maluku, and Morotai, and has even expanded beyond the initial project areas through strategic partnerships with Ambon PPN.

Adipati added that training on simple technologies such as GPS greatly helps fishers, including women fishers, to fish more safely and efficiently. This reflects the blue economy approach, which combines sustainability, technological innovation, and community empowerment.

Group photo of women fishers participating in the TOT for Champion Fishers program on vessel engine repair, gear assembly, and GPS use at Ambon PPN, Maluku Province.

Investment in Human Resources

The TOT for Champion Fishers program is a concrete example of how targeted technical training can meet the real needs of coastal communities. Support from government, industry partners, and donor institutions has made this program a model of empowerment that can be replicated in other regions.

Through this training, fishers not only acquire new skills but also become trainers who will mobilize their communities to be more independent, safe, and prosperous. This marks an important step in strengthening the ocean-based economy in Eastern Indonesia.