A total of 35 fishers in Raja Ampat Regency took part in a technical guidance (Bimtek) program focused on repairing fishing boat engines, assembling net fishing gear, and using GPS and fish finders as part of efforts to improve skills and capacity. The four-day training, held from April 22 to 25, 2025, in Waisai, was a collaboration between the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) through the Semarang Center for Fishing (BBPI) and CFI Indonesia, supported by a grant from the 6th phase of the Global Environment Facility (GEF 6).

The training aimed to meet fishers’ needs for practical technical knowledge that could be directly applied in their daily fishing activities. The first day of the training involved the delivery of theoretical material on engine maintenance, the use of underwater submersible lights to attract fish, and the use of navigation and fish location detection technology.

“This technical guidance was designed with a hands-on approach. Theory was only delivered on the first day, while 75 percent of the remaining time was allocated to field practice, so that fishers could directly handle and operate the equipment,” said Oni Soeryono, Head of the Product Testing and Certification Team, representing BBPI Semarang. He emphasized that improving practical skills would help fishers become more independent and efficient in the field.

The Raja Ampat Regency Government welcomed the initiative. Head of the Department of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Yosep H.W. Mirino, expressed his appreciation and gratitude for the continued support from CFI Indonesia. “This is the fourth time CFI Indonesia has come to Raja Ampat. Their presence has been very helpful, especially in empowering small-scale fishers. We hope the knowledge gained from this training can be a valuable asset for participants and be shared with other fishers,” he said.

Representative of The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), Lingga Prawitaningrum, also highlighted the importance of this program in order to build the capacity of fishers in eastern Indonesian. “Through this program, we hope that fishers can optimize their catch while prioritizing safety at sea. The ability to operate tools like GPS and fish finders will be very helpful in identifying potential fishing spots without relying solely on experience,” she said.

CFI Indonesia, the main partner in this program, reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sustainable and inclusive fishing practices. “We believe that technical skills are the foundation of sustainable fisheries. CFI Indonesia will continue to support fishers and consistently encourage women’s participation in every activity as part of our project’s inclusivity,” said Lisa Lautetu, a representative of CFI Indonesia.

Participants experienced the benefits of the training firsthand. One of them, Bukhari, expressed his gratitude: “We learned how to make submersible lights that we can use while fishing. It turns out to be quite easy to make. We've never had a training like this in our area before. Now, we have additional knowledge that can help improve our catch.”

Another participant, Mariangke Obinaru, representing Women Fishers of Raja Ampat Regency, shared her experience dealing with technical issues at sea. She recounted that their boat engines often encountered problems they didn't understand while fishing.

“Usually, the engine runs fine from the shore to the fishing spot. But when we move to another location because no fish are biting, issues often occur. Sometimes, the engine suddenly revs up, or it stalls unexpectedly. These things make us confused and anxious, especially when we're far from the shore,” she said.

This technical guidance underscores the shared commitment of multiple stakeholders to strengthen the capacity of fishers, particularly in coastal and small island areas like Raja Ampat. With its emphasis on hands-on practice and appropriate technology, the training is expected to help participants apply their knowledge to increase catch productivity, maintain marine resource sustainability, and develop more independent and resilient fisheries businesses.

The collaboration between BBPI Semarang and CFI Indonesia, supported by the local government, is expected to continue and serve as a real example of how well-targeted training can make a tangible impact on the lives and empowerment of fishing communities. With the spirit of knowledge-sharing and grassroots development, the sea is not only a source of livelihood but also a beacon of hope for a sustainable future.