GEF 6 – CFI Indonesia, in collaboration with the Directorate General of Capture Fisheries of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) through the Kaimana Regency Fisheries Office, organized a Technical Guidance (Bimtek) on Strengthening Business Institutional Capacity, Financial Management, and Fisheries Product Marketing. The three-day event began on Thursday (24/07/2025) at Belia Restaurant, Kaimana.

The Bimtek on Strengthening Business Institutional Capacity, Financial Management, and Fisheries Product Marketing was attended by the Regent’s Advisor on Governance, Law, and Politics; Herlina, Head of the Kaimana Fisheries Office; and representatives from the CFI Indonesia PMU.

The event was officially opened by Blasius Kilmas, the Regent’s Advisor on Governance, Law, and Politics (representing the Regent of Kaimana); Faridatun Amalia Hasanah, Safeguard and Gender Specialist of CFI Indonesia; and Herlina, Head of Kaimana Regency Fisheries Office. In his remarks, Blasius emphasized that the training aimed to enhance the knowledge, creativity, and independence of fisheries entrepreneurs, particularly women fishers in coastal areas. “The ability to process catches into high-value products will help fishers earn additional income, even when the fish are not sold in the market,” he said.

Echoing this, Faridatun Amalia Hasanah stressed that the activity was not merely a training forum but part of a broader strategy to strengthen the economic resilience of fishing communities. “The sustainability of fishing communities cannot rely on spirit alone; it must be supported by strong business institution, sound financial management, and the ability to access markets independently. This also ensures that women fishers and vulnerable groups have equal roles in the fisheries value chain,” she affirmed.

From the local government’s perspective, Herlina added that regional fisheries management policies should guide fisheries business groups to develop in a focused and sustainable manner. “We encourage all participants to make the most of this opportunity, as the success of their businesses will directly contribute to the welfare of fishing families,” she stated.

Technical Guidance (Bimtek) on Strengthening Business Institutional Capacity, Financial Management, and Fisheries Product Marketing was attended by 30 women participants from 10 business groups across 10 villages in Kaimana Regency (24–26 July 2025).

The training involved 30 female participants from 10 business groups across 10 different villages, each represented by three people. To optimize the event, resource persons from various agencies delivered materials in their respective areas of expertise. The Head of the Fisheries Processing Division of Kaimana MAF Office presented online and offline product marketing strategies; a representative from the Office of Industry, Cooperatives, and MSMEs explained the role of Merah Putih Cooperative in strengthening groups’ bargaining power; a representative from the Investment and PTSP Agency facilitated the issuance of Business Identification Numbers (NIB) and Home Industry Food Permits (PIRT); the Head of Kaimana Bank BRI discussed financing opportunities; and a local MSME entrepreneur, Eva, shared practical experiences in developing seafood-based businesses.

Support also came from Paramitha Prima Kusumawati, a member of Young Planner and Gender Working Group at the MMAF Planning Bureau, who highlighted the importance of sustaining such initiatives. “Training must be conducted inclusively and sustainably, with synergy between local government, stakeholders, and the community, so that coastal communities become resilient and competitive,” she noted.

Participants, consisting of GEF 6 Champions, fisheries business groups, and groups fostered by the Kaimana Fisheries Office, engaged in the activities with enthusiasm. The opening was also attended by the Head of the Kaimana Fisheries Management BLUD, three members of the Commission B of DPRK, and officials from various related Regional Apparatus Organizations (OPDs).

With multi-stakeholder involvement, the Bimtek in Kaimana served as a concrete step to strengthen local fisheries business capacity, build an inclusive blue economy ecosystem, and replicate CFI Indonesia’s best practices in integrating economic empowerment with coastal resource conservation.