cfi-indonesia.id.  CFI Indonesia received a visit from the GEF independent evaluation team which aims to carry out an evaluation of the food system program. The evaluation aims to provide evidence at the national level on the performance of GEF project interventions focusing on food systems, including self-reliant food systems.

In connection with the food system study in Indonesia, the independent GEF team led by Dr. Detlev Puetz, accompanied by Ali Imron, visited the CFI Indonesia PMU Office in Jakarta. Their visit was aimed at conducting discussions and interviews to obtain information and a deeper understanding of the results of the GEF food system interventions and the factors influencing them, including the sustainability of the changes. In addition, they also assessed how GEF's integrated program approach to food systems has evolved in Indonesia.

Dr. Adipati Rahmat, as the Project Manager, introduced CFI Indonesia and provided updates on its implementation progress. One of the key points highlighted was how the best practices of Sasi Label contribute to food security. Sasi Label, an initiative by CFI Indonesia, aims to support sustainable fisheries policies by minimizing negative impacts on the ecosystem while promoting positive benefits for coastal indigenous communities. This program provides labeling for commodities and products from sasi areas, enhancing their economic value while motivating and mobilizing communities to continue managing fisheries through an ecosystem-based and sustainable approach. The business mechanism is environmentally conscious, involving traditional (small-scale) fishing communities and other entrepreneurs, particularly coastal women (fishermen's wives), to utilize natural resources in sasi areas and add value to them. This program establishes a downstream model for fishery products where fish are caught sustainably by certified fishermen, processed by trained fisherwomen, and marketed by fisherwomen through KUB/BUMDes (village-owned enterprises) formed with the assistance of CFI Indonesia. The key to this program’s success is fostering interdependence among village groups.

Throughout 2024, the diversification of processed fishery products by CFI Indonesia’s assisted groups has reached 1,927 products, involving 932 trained fisherwomen. The produced and marketed products include Liquid Smoked Fish, Presto Fish, Shredded Fish (Abon), Salted Fish, Embal Fish, Fish Crackers, Sea Cucumber Chips, Gutatos, Fish Pilus, Fish and Seafood Sambal, Crispy Anchovies, Fish Soy Sauce, Fish Meatballs, Nuggets, Seaweed Sticks, Mangrove Sticks, Mangrove Coffee, and various other products.

As of now, five PIRT (Home Industrial Food) certifications have been issued for various processed products from CFI Indonesia’s assisted groups. Additionally, one Certification of Processing Feasibility (SKP) has been issued for the Mina Trampil Group in Ambon City, which is also under CFI Indonesia’s guidance.

The GEF team evaluating the food system program appreciates the performance of CFI Indonesia. Detlev stated that CFI Indonesia is a highly innovative project because it truly strives to encompass various aspects of the lives of fishing communities. "CFI Indonesia is highly concerned with the aspects of fish marketing and processing, which is a very good approach. This not only helps fishing communities earn more income but also has the potential to provide benefits, especially for women in these communities," said Detlev.

Furthermore, Detlev mentioned that he has been deeply involved in nutrition issues throughout his life. He finds it fascinating to see the potential impact of this program on the community's nutritional status.

"When fishermen are unable to go to sea, sometimes they have nothing to eat. Through this approach, CFI Indonesia can help bridge the periods often referred to as hunger seasons. This is one of the most crucial aspects," he said.

Another aspect he greatly appreciates about this project is CFI Indonesia's connection to a larger global community through the GEF Network. CFI Indonesia can share its experiences with other countries worldwide, such as in West Africa and Latin America, while also learning from them and other locations. This also creates opportunities to build networks and establish personal connections.

Detlev also mentioned the role of CFI Indonesia, which has the opportunity to show the world the beauty of Indonesia and its extraordinary sites. He visited some of these places several years ago, and in his opinion, they are incredibly beautiful.

“Of course, I am very happy that this project contributes to two main things: helping people make a living and, most importantly, protecting the resources we have. This project protects marine resources, preserves the environment, maintains biodiversity, and helps us survive in the long term,” Detlev said at the end of his testimony.

CFI Indonesia is committed, through the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), to promote food security from marine and fisheries products by optimizing the potential of blue food (aquatic food). This effort is aimed at supporting the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto, to achieve food self-sufficiency by 2028.