The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF), with support from the Global Environmental Facility (GEF)-6 Coastal Fisheries Initiative – Indonesia Child Project (CFI-ICP), held a Training of Trainers (ToT) program on the use of renewable energy-based fish drying machines. This initiative promotes ecosystem-based fisheries management, supports small-scale fisheries, protects key species, expands conservation areas, revitalizes indigenous communities, and empowers women.

Through the Center for Fishing (BBPI), DJPT–MMAF seeks to enhance human resource capacity, particularly among small-scale fishers, by training on the use of renewable energy-based fish drying machines for 32 participants (22 men and 10 women) from several villages in Southeast Maluku. These champions (prospective head coaches), who come from several ohoi or villages such as Ohoiwatkidat, Ohoimataholat, Ohoidunwahan, and Ohoidertawun, will later disseminate their knowledge and technical skills with local fish processors. The renewable energy-based drying machines are expected to improve product quality, shelf life, and market value of fishery catch.

The five-day training (June 17–21, 2025) held in Ohoi Watkidat, West South Kei District, provided participants with welding technique, equipment assembly skill which incorporates the installation of renewable energy-based motor fan, as well as hygienic and diverse fish processing mechanisms. The goal is to enhance fishers’ capacity in adopting eco-friendly technologies to increase their household income.

Tri Wahyu Wibowo, lead trainer from BBPI Semarang, expressed that this program offers new hope for improved resource management and coastal community welfare. He encouraged participants to transfer the knowledge to their respective communities.

Acting Head of the Southeast Maluku Fisheries Office, Ruslan Ingratubun, S.P., M.M., emphasized that the training is important because not only it boosts fisher capacity and competence but it will also have a positive and sustainable impact on the processing of fishermen's catches while increasing their prices.

Empowering Coastal Communities Through Innovation

The participants took part in a hands-on workshop to learn how to properly operate welding machines and achieve high-quality welding results. They then practiced assembling components powered by environmentally friendly renewable energy, with the primary source being solar energy. The energy is stored in batteries as DC electrical power, which is used to run drying fans or lights, supported by an inverter to assist the fish-drying process. This practical training was complemented by hygienic and varied fish processing techniques, allowing the resulting products to compete in modern markets.

The training received appreciation from many. Ohoi Watkidat Village Head, Jamhur Fakoubun, said the ToT helped local fishers overcome field challenges, especially during the rainy season.

GEF-6 CFI Indonesia Project Manager, Adipati Rahmat Gumelar, praised the passion and the commitment of Watkidat residents to progress, making them role models for GEF-6 CFI Indonesia initiatives. He noted that this village's progress has enormous potential to be replicated in other areas.

"We only provided a small amount of support, in the form of basic skills such as the production of processing equipment—which is actually quite advanced. From these simple skills, the community—both male and female fishers—have managed to further develop their capabilities. What I truly appreciate is the support from the local government and the village, because the success of this program also stems from their active participation and initiative," he said.

With continued training, support, and infrastructure, Watkidat villagers have great potential to improve fish products that could reach export markets. “We hope fish processing in Ohoi Watkidat continues to grow and contributes to local economic development,” said Jamhur Fakoubun, the head of Watkidat Ohoi.

The ToT participants also expressed their appreciation for the activity. Sugiyanto Kelanit, a fisherman from Dunwahan Ohoi, Kei Kecil Subdistrict, said the ToT was very beneficial for him. “I would like to thank GEF-6 CFI Indonesia and the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP). This activity is very useful, and the results of the practice can be managed going forward,” he said.

Similarly, Zulfa Hayer, a Women Fisher Champion and training participant from Dertawun Ohoi, also recognized the benefits of the ToT. “This activity is very valuable for our MSMEs. We hope it continues and we also look forward to more similar programs from GEF-6 CFI Indonesia and KKP. Our thanks go to GEF-6 and KKP,” she said.