The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) held a fish processing training session for 20 fishermen’s wives from communities affected by the construction of the sea wall at TPI Citeuis, Tangerang, Banten. The training took place over two days, from February 8 to 9, 2025, and involved expert instructors in their respective fields.

This activity reflects KKP’s commitment to improving the welfare of fishermen and their families through business diversification programs.

Organized in collaboration with GEF-6, this fish processing training was an initiative of the Coastal Fisheries Initiative (CFI) project. It aims to replicate best practices in improving the skills of both male and female fishers in sustainable fisheries management.

The business diversification activity emphasizes sustainability and gender equality principles, aiming to strengthen the coastal community's economy. The training focused on equipping fishermen with machine repair skills and providing their wives with fish processing knowledge as an alternative business opportunity.

This event was attended by the Director General of Capture Fisheries, the Head of BPPSDM KP, the Acting Secretary of the Directorate General of Capture Fisheries Ridwan Mulyana, the Secretary of BPPSDM KP Rudi Alek Wahyudin, and the Director of Fishing Vessel and Fishing Gears Mochamad Idnillah.

The processed product diversification training was led by instructors from PT. Sri Juwana Makmur (a Tangerang MSE) and aimed to improve fishermen families’ ability to turn their catch into value-added products. The training focused on producing fish meatballs and mackerel crackers, creating new business opportunities, increasing household income, and reducing dependence on fresh catch.

“This program is not just another training, but a concrete step to encourage the economic empowerment of fishing families. With these skills, fishermen's wives can process seafood into high-quality products that are competitive in the market," said Director General of Capture Fisheries, Lotharia Latif, who also handed over fish processing equipment to the participants.

Participants passionately welcomed the event and expressed hopes of applying the new skills to start their own businesses. “This is my first time joining a training like this. Honestly, I’m really happy because it was fun and I learned something new—how to turn fish into more valuable products like meatballs and crackers,” said Ibu Darni, one of the training participants.

According to CFI Indonesia Project Manager Adipati Rahmat, during the event on Sunday, February 9, 2025, CFI Indonesia, in collaboration with the Directorate General of Capture Fisheries, continues to provide technical guidance on fish product processing for fishermen’s wives. It is hoped that the fishermen's catches will not simply be sold, but some will also be processed into value-added products that last longer and enrich the variety of nutritious food in fishermen's households.

At the same venue, a vessel engine repair training was also held, involving instructors from BBPI Semarang and diesel engine suppliers, Dongfeng and Shark, which are commonly used by local fishers. A total of 31 fishermen received both theoretical and hands-on training on engine troubleshooting and repair. Most of the participants were given the chance to disassemble, repair, and reassemble engines until they successfully started them again.

One participant, Nurhakim, said he found the training very helpful. According to Nurhakim, the presence of instructors from BBPI Semarang, Dongfeng, and Shark greatly broadened his horizons, so that he no longer encounters difficulties in repairing his ship's engine. “After being taught how to disassemble and install the engine along with practical sessions, I know better how to repair it,” Nurhakim said.

During the same occasion, the Acting Secretary of the Directorate General of Capture Fisheries, Ridwan Mulyana, together with the Director of Fishing Vessels and Fishing Gear, Mochamad Idnillah, handed over engine repair tools to two fishermen groups participating in the training.

“We hope today’s engine repair equipment assistance can be put to good use,” said Ridwan while delivering the support.

This activity was a tangible manifestation of KKP’s commitment to supporting national strategic programs aimed at improving the welfare of fishermen and promoting the development of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) which are based on fisheries. Through this training, it is expected that more fishermen’s families can sustainably develop fisheries-based businesses, positively impacting both the local economy and the national fisheries sector.