"Realizing a Strong, Independent, and Prosperous Indonesian Economy"

President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, outlined eight priority agendas in the 2026 Draft State Budget (RAPBN). These include strengthening food security, developing renewable energy, implementing the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, improving the quality of education, expanding JKN and healthcare, empowering cooperatives and the people’s economy, strengthening national defense, and accelerating investment and global trade through downstream industries and housing projects.

In line with these agendas, CFI Indonesia has contributed through various initiatives. These include training 2,730 fishers in outboard engine repair, fiber hull construction, GPS and e-logbook usage, Fisherman Proficiency Certification, good fish handling practices, Crab Bank, collapsible traps (bubu lipat), and Basic Safety Training. CFI has also provided VMS equipment to 30 fishers as part of a pilot for Measured Fishing, facilitated the issuance of documents including 8,220 TDKP documents, small vessel licenses, and fishing vessel ownership certificates; and arranged insurance for 30 fishers. In addition, CFI has trained 1,120 women fishers in fish processing, management, certification, branding, and marketing. It has also facilitated eight GEF 6-assisted MSMEs to sign MoUs with modern markets and investors.

SERIES OF CFI INDONESIA ACTIVITIES TOWARD INDONESIA’S 80TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY

To commemorate Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day, CFI Indonesia organized a series of activities. In collaboration with Ambon PPN, it held a Fisher Champion Training of Trainers (TOT) program to strengthen fishers’ capacity. The program ran for four days (August 12–15) with 30 selected participants from Maluku, West Papua, and Southwest Papua, including two women fishers. The training provided includes repairing ship engines, assembling environmentally friendly fishing equipment, and using navigation technology such as GPS and fishfinders. The participants were prepared to become trainers in their respective regions to share the knowledge and skills they acquired.

CFI Indonesia’s Fisher Champion TOT: Outboard Engine Repair, Gear Assembly, and GPS Use Training at Ambon PPN, Maluku

CFI Indonesia also held the Maluku Province MSME Business Forum (August 12–14) to connect assisted MSMEs with marketing channels, raise their product quality standards, and strengthen the protection for local MSMEs in modern markets. The forum brought together MSME actors from Ambon, Central Maluku, Southeast Maluku, Eastern Seram, and Kaimana (Papua), along with representatives from universities, banking institutions (Bank Malukumalut, BRI), and modern retail (Alfamart, Indogrosir, Indomaret, and Hypermart MCM). The forum was concluded with the signing of a Cooperation Agreement (PKS) between the Maluku Provincial Government-through the Department of Industry and Trade-and 30 modern retailers in Ambon, ensuring that 30% of retail space is allocated for local MSME products.

Earlier, CFI Indonesia also organized a Women Fisher Champion Training, while supporting the MBG program and stunting reduction efforts. The training involved three instructors from Ambon BP3, who guided participants in processing tuna-based products such as fish crackers (emplang), fish nuggets, liquid-smoked tuna, and tuna jerky. The goal of the training was to equip the Mahina Ecoprint group with additional skills, enabling them to diversify into seafood-based businesses alongside their established ecoprint ventures.

Fish Processing Diversification Training for Women Fishers

On the final day, participants visited SD Negeri 1 Al Hilal Laha to share their processed food products with around 50 students and teachers. This activity served as part of the project’s support for the national Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program based on blue foods (as instructed by the President of Indonesia), while also acting as a direct intervention to accelerate stunting reduction. It was a special moment, as the school was receiving the MBG program for the first time, and it was also the first time the project facilitated such an activity.

At the same time, CFI Indonesia facilitated Champions in promoting their processed products at the “Set Sail to Indonesia 2025 Chapter Ambon” exhibition, held in Amahusu, Ambon, on August 6–9, 2025. The exhibition showcased the region’s maritime, cultural, and creative economic potential to both domestic and international visitors, while strengthening collaboration among stakeholders in the marine and fisheries sector.

PROGRESS OF SUPPORTED GROUPS UP TO AUGUST 2025

Mahina Laha Group Activities in Ambon City

Mahina Laha Group. Originated from Laha Village, Ambon City and have 13 members, their main business is Ecoprint. They have produced  177 Ecoprint Batik products [Cotton Fabric 17 pcs, Silk Fabric 24 pcs, Scarves 41 pcs, Totebags 85 pcs, T-shirts 6 pcs, Caps 4 pcs] and had sold 149 pcs = Rp 20,075,000.

Testimony on Indonesia’s 80th Independence Anniversary: “Eight decades of independence towards Golden Indonesia 2045, in line with the government’s grand vision under the theme United, Sovereign, Prosperous People, Advanced Indonesia. We, as fishers and fishery entrepreneurs, hope for evenly distributed welfare, especially for coastal communities. Ignite the spirit for the glory of Indonesia!”

Dullah Tama Group Activities in Southeast Maluku Regency

Dullah Tama Group. Originated from Watkidat Village, Southeast Maluku Regency and have 30 members, their main businesses are Fish processing and ecoprint. They have produced  Fish Products (Shredded Fish 50 pcs, Crackers 35 pcs, Smoked Fish 50 pcs, Salted Fish 70 pcs); Ecoprint Batik 40 pcs, Totebags 80 pcs and had a total sale of Rp 20,825,000.

Testimony on Indonesia’s 80th Independence Anniversary: “We, the fisherwomen of Watkidat Village, wish the Republic of Indonesia a happy 80th Independence Day. We hope Indonesia continues to thrive in fisheries so that fisherwomen receive greater attention and empowerment. Long live our nation. Freedom, freedom, freedom!”

Rizki Rumlauna Group Activities in Eastern Seram Regency

Rizki Rumlauna Group. Originated from Kilwaru Village, Eastern Seram Regency and have 10 members, their main businesses are Processed shredded fish and chili paste. They have produced  120 kg shredded fish, 56 kg fish sambal and had a total sale of Rp 47,520,000.

Testimony on Indonesia’s 80th Independence Anniversary:“Happy 80th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia. Together with GEF 6 CFI Indonesia, we rise and move forward towards a better future than today.”

Wun'Niseven Group Activities in Wondama Bay Regency

Wun'Niseven Group. Originated from Menarbu Village, Wondama Bay Regency and have 11 members, their main businesses are Fish processing and ecoprint. They have produced  Tuna Shredded Fish 70 pcs, Grouper Shredded Fish 25 pcs, Snapper Shredded Fish 18 pcs; Ecoprint (Totebags 40 pcs, Fabric 85 pcs) and had a total sale of Rp 18,200,000.

Testimony on Indonesia’s 80th Independence Anniversary: “With the blazing spirit of independence, together with GEF CFI Indonesia, we build a more advanced, just, and prosperous Indonesia. Especially for the empowerment of coastal and island communities, toward a better economic future. Long live my country, Indonesia!”

Sid Sarmav Sneck Group Activities in Southeast Maluku Regency

Sid Sarmav Sneck Group Originated from Ohoidertawun Village, Southeast Maluku Regency and have 10 people members, their main business is Fish processing. They have produced  500 pieces of seaweed sticks, 350 pieces of fish floss, 250 pieces of crispy anchovies and had a total sale of IDR 32,000,000

Testimony on Indonesia’s 80th Independence Anniversary: “Freedom for my nation! Let our thoughts, hearts, and souls be free. Wherever we are, our hearts will always belong to a free Indonesia.”

Mina Trampil Group Activities in Ambon City

Mina Terampil Group. Originated from Pandan Kasturi Village, Ambon City and have 20 members, their main business is Fish-based products. They have produced  223 Bottles of Smoked Tuna Sambal, 47 Pouches of Liquid Smoked Tuna, 35 Pouches of Tuna Sticks and had a total sale of 180 bottles sambal, 43 pouches liquid tuna, 22 pouches tuna sticks = Rp 5,991,000.

Testimony on Indonesia’s 80th Independence Anniversary: “80 years of Indonesia’s independence proves that this nation continues to grow and empower itself. As MSME entrepreneurs, we appreciate the meaning of independence not only as freedom to create, but also as the opportunity to grow, innovate, and contribute to the nation. Thank you, Indonesia. May MSMEs become more advanced, independent, and globally recognized at this 80th year of independence.”

Met Bal Sorbay Group Activities in Southeast Maluku Regency

Met Bal Sorbay Group. Originated from Ohoidertawun Village, Southeast Maluku Regency and have 5 members, their main business is Ecoprint. They have produced  82 Ecoprint products [Cotton Fabric 47 pcs, Beach Fabric 10 pcs, Totebags 20 pcs, Pashminas 5 pcs] and had a total sale of 70 pcs = Rp 14,650,000.

Testimony on Indonesia’s 80th Independence Anniversary: “With the spirit of Indonesia’s 80th Independence Anniversary, let us build our nation together by protecting the sea, preserving the environment, and strengthening our families and villages for a better future. Long live my nation!”

Wawina Group Activities in Eastern Seram Regency

Wawina Group. Originated from Englas Village, Eastern Seram Regency and have 10 members, their main business is Ecoprint. They have produced  135 Ecoprint Batik products and had a total sale of Rp 11,282,000.

Testimony on Indonesia’s 80th Independence Anniversary: “On Indonesia’s 80th Anniversary, independence becomes a motivation to build a more advanced and prosperous nation. Our differences in ethnicity, religion, and culture are not obstacles, but treasures that unite us. Freedom, freedom, freedom!”

Serphim Bofuwer Group Activities in Kaimana Regency

Seraphim Bofuwer Group. Originated from Bofuwer Village, Kaimana Regency and have 12 members, their main businesses are Ecoprint and fish processing. They have produced  20 Ecoprint products, 150 Processed Gulama Fish products and made profit of Rp 10,125,000

Testimony on Indonesia’s 80th Independence Anniversary: “I am Papua, I am Indonesia. Happy 80th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia! The nation will prosper if Indonesian women prosper, because empowering women means building the nation. Long live Indonesia, may Indonesia Raya be prosperous. Freedom!”