“Expanding the Information Education Campaign of CFI Indonesia”

cfi-indonesia.id — GEF-6 CFI Indonesia supported and took part in the exhibition “Set Sail to Indonesia 2025 Chapter Ambon,” held in Amahusu, Ambon, on August 6–9, 2025. This exhibition served as a platform to promote regional maritime potential, culture, and creative economy to both domestic and international tourists, while also strengthening collaboration among stakeholders in the marine and fisheries sector.

This participation was part of efforts to expand CFI Indonesia’s Information Education Campaign (IEC) by highlighting one of its best practices, namely the Sasi Label. It’s one of the innovations developed by CFI Indonesia in the form of a labeling system for fishery products sourced from Sasi areas, which adds value to the products. Its purpose is to enhance the economic value of sustainably and environmentally friendly produced goods while building market trust in their quality and origin.

Opening of Set Sail to Indonesia: Chapter Ambon (August 6, 2025)

In this event, CFI Indonesia brought in the Champions of CFI Indonesia, representatives of women fisher groups from FMAs 715, 717, and 718. They participated by showcasing flagship products under the Sasi Label. Exhibited products included environmentally friendly fish-based food (Liquid Smoked Tuna, Seaweed Crackers, Seafood Chili Sauce, and Gulama Fish Crackers), local resource-based handicrafts (Ecoprint products such as T-shirts, Tote Bags, and Bucket Hats), as well as food innovations that prioritize sustainability.

Ahadar Tuhuteru, M.Sc., Knowledge Management and Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist of GEF-6 CFI Indonesia PMU, emphasized the importance of involving the Champions in the exhibition. “The purpose of involving CFI Indonesia’s Champions in this exhibition is to train them to be more confident, able to communicate with consumers, as well as introduce and market their products. We hope that after this project ends, they will be self-reliant,” explained Ahadar.

Sail to Indonesia Participants and Sailors arrived at the venue in Amahusu, Ambon

According to the Maluku Provincial Tourism Office, the manifest recorded 30 ships heading to Amahusu. By the time of the event, 25 had already arrived in Ambon, while the rest were still en route to their next destination in Tifu, South Buru.

Zainal Launuru, Head of Tourism Marketing Development at the Maluku Provincial Tourism Office, expressed his joy in being able to showcase Maluku’s culture to international sailors. “We are delighted to introduce Maluku’s rich culture to the sailors. This is a great opportunity to promote tourism as well as the region’s potential,” he said.

GEF-6 CFI Indonesia Champions Booth at Set Sail to Indonesia: Chapter Ambon

The CFI Indonesia booth received much appreciation from visitors, both international sailors (Sail to Indonesia participants) and domestic guests. Many of the Champions’ fish-based products and ecoprint batik were purchased.

Anderson Ulman, a sailor from Sweden, shared his experience while sailing in Indonesia. “I love coming to Indonesia because the people are friendly and very welcoming, especially the children. There is so much diversity here,” he said. He also commented on the GEF project and the showcased products. “I strongly support GEF’s initiative in promoting the blue economy. As a sea lover, I’m delighted to see a program in Indonesia that is so dedicated to protecting its oceans,” he added.

The Set Sail to Indonesia 2025 exhibition in Amahusu, Ambon, was an important momentum for GEF-6 CFI Indonesia to foster new collaborations, strengthen existing networks, and inspire more stakeholders to contribute to achieving EAFM goals. These include improving fishers’ family welfare through the empowerment of women fishers and fishers’ wives. In addition, the exhibition also boosted the promotion of Eastern Indonesia’s tourism and local flagship products to the global stage. With the support of various parties, including CFI Indonesia, this activity is expected to inspire regional economic development that aligns with marine environmental sustainability.