The GEF-6 Coastal Fisheries Initiative (CFI) Indonesia continues to strengthen the role of coastal women through a sewing skills training program held on 23–26 July 2025 in Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua. Fifteen women from Paam, Saupapir, and Saukabu Villages took part in this intensive training as an effort to diversify household income and enhance the independence of fishing families.

The sewing skills training for 15 women fishers was conducted in Paam Village, in collaboration with the MMAF and the Raja Ampat Regency Fisheries Office, supported by a GEF-6 CFI Indonesia grant (July 23-26, 2025)

The training was facilitated by instructors from the Sorong Vocational Training Center (BLK), covering basic skills in making sling bags, hats, and clothing that can be directly produced and marketed. This program also served as a follow-up to the eco-print batik training held in March 2025.

This training is not merely a transfer of skills, but part of GEF-6 CFI Indonesia's long-term commitment to strengthening the role of women in the coastal economy. It also aims to reduce dependence on the fisheries sector, which is increasingly pressured by climate change and declining resources.

“This program is not just about technical skills; it is part of a long-term strategy to empower coastal women. We want these housewives to become confident and independent economic actors,” said Nuranti Anarkhis, S.Pi., M.P., Project Secretary of GEF-6 CFI Indonesia.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Raja Ampat Regency Secretary, the Head of the Raja Ampat Fisheries Office, representatives from the Directorate of PSDI-MMAF, and the CFI Indonesia PMU (July 23, 2025)

Nuranti further explained that the training is designed to produce durable, non-seasonal products. “We want them to start businesses from these skills and make sewing a sustainable source of income,” she added.

The training received full support from the Raja Ampat Regency Government. Acting Head of the Fisheries Office, Dr. Yosep H.W. Mirino, M.Ec.Dev., expressed his commitment to providing ongoing support in the form of raw materials and product promotion.

“We are planning to have the products made by these fishers ladies worn by Raja Ampat civil servants every Thursday, as a form of promotion and pride in local products,” he said.

The Regional Secretary of Raja Ampat Regency, Dr. Yusuf Salim, M.Si., officially opened the Sewing Training and handed over sewing machine equipment assistance to women fishers in Raja Ampat (July 23, 2025)

A similar commitment was expressed by Raja Ampat Regency Secretary, Dr. Yusuf Salim, M.Si., who emphasized that this program is an investment in the future of coastal women.

“This is not just a training program. It’s an investment in the future of coastal women in Raja Ampat. GEF-6 CFI Indonesia has shown that economic development can be inclusive and directly reach those who need it most,” he stressed.

Going forward, the participants will be guided to form joint business groups, gain access to local markets, and receive continued support from relevant agencies. In addition to training and initial equipment (starter kits), participants are expected to develop independent businesses based on the skills they have acquired.

This initiative stands as a best practice example, showing that a community-based approach—especially by empowering women—can be a key driver of economic change in coastal areas.