The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), in collaboration with the Southeast Maluku Regency Fisheries Service, held a Training of Trainers (ToT) program for fisherman champions. The training focused on fishing boat engine repair, fishing net assembly, and GPS operation. The event took place in Langgur, Southeast Maluku Regency, from May 21–24, 2025.

A group photo from the ToT for fisherman champions in boat engine repair, fishing net assembly, and GPS usage in Langgur, Southeast Maluku Regency (21–24/5/2025)

To strengthen the role of Joint Business Groups (KUBs) as a foundation for fisher institutional development in Southeast Maluku, Southeast Maluku Regency Fisheries Service conducted a ToT in Southeast Maluku Regency to enhance the technical knowledge and skills of selected fisherman champions in engine repair, fishing net assembly, and GPS operation. This activity is intended to increase the knowledge capacity and skills of fishermen.

The Acting Head of the Southeast Maluku Fisheries Service, Ruslan A.G. Ingratubun, SE., MEc.Dev, officially opened the ToT training for fisherman champions on fishing boat engine repair, fishing net assembly, and GPS operation in Southeast Maluku Regency. In his remarks, he expressed deep gratitude to KKP and GEF 6–CFI Indonesia for their support in empowering local government and fisher communities of Southeast Maluku Regency through this human resource development initiative.

Furthermore, Ruslan explained that the program’s goal is to train future trainers who master technical skills in boat engine repair, fishing net assembly, and GPS operation. Upon completing the training, participants are expected to apply their knowledge to improve their income and eventually serve as trainers for other fishers.

“I hope that all of you (the fishers) participating in this program will go on to train your group members, and even become trainers in your own villages (ohoi),” said Ruslan.

This ToT focused on boat engine repair, fishing net assembly, and GPS operation. A total of 52 fisherman champions from 12 KUBs participated in it. Speakers and instructors included the Head of the Fisheries Service, teachers from SMK Siwa Lima Langgur, and staff from the Southeast Maluku Fisheries Service.

Some ToT participants practicing GPS operation on fishing vessels in the waters of Langgur, Southeast Maluku Regency.

Joseph Watratan, a ToT participant from Ohoi Namar, expressed his gratitude on behalf of fellow fishers who attended the GPS operation training. He said the training gave them a clear understanding of how to operate GPS. “With this GPS, we can identify previously marked fishing spots, calculate travel distances, and estimate fuel needed to move from one fishing site to another,” Joseph concluded.

Some ToT participants practicing net repair.

Abdul Halik Ingratubun, a fisherman from Ohoi Mataholat, also appreciated the training. “At first I didn’t know, but now I’ve learned how to properly assemble nets,” he said. He thanked the organizers for the knowledge shared and hoped his group members would apply it in their respective villages.

Some ToT participants practicing outboard engine maintenance.

Martinus Reyaan, a fisherman from Ohoi Namar, who joined the 15 HP outboard engine repair training, said they had received both theoretical and practical instruction over four days. “We’re very thankful because we’ve gained new knowledge and skills. We couldn’t and didn’t know how to perform basic maintenance and repairs before, but now we’re can,” he said.

Joseph, Abdul, and Martinus, along with their fellow trainees, extended their gratitude to KKP, GEF 6 – CFI Indonesia, and the Southeast Maluku Fisheries Service for organizing this valuable ToT program