Banten Modernises Red and White Fishermen's Village to Improve Coastal Livelihoods

The Banten provincial government is modernising the Red and White Fishermen’s Village (KNMP) located in Cikiruhwetan village, Cikeusik district, Pandeglang regency, to improve the living standards and welfare of fishermen in the coastal region.

This government initiative aligns with the hopes of local fishermen. Mawardi, a 70-year-old fisherman in Pandeglang, expressed optimism on Friday that the modernisation would help raise the selling price of fish catches, which have historically been valued cheaply, resulting in minimal net income that is frequently eroded by high operational costs.

“First, we have fuel expenses which require purchasing from distant suppliers at varying prices. Second, there are operational and logistics costs at sea which make the difference between income and expenditure very tight. Moreover, the catch must be divided with the boat crew, as we cannot fish alone,” he said.

Beyond financial burdens, Mawardi also lamented unfavourable weather conditions over the past year. The high risks have forced many fishermen to forgo fishing trips, even though this profession is the primary livelihood for most residents of Cikeusik.

Similarly, another fisherman, Yusuf Khudaeri, hopes that the KNMP facility will extend beyond physical infrastructure alone. Given that most fishermen still use traditional equipment, he called for continuous government mentoring and capacity-building.

“We hope that the facilities provided by the government will not only be completed, but also include ongoing assistance to help fishermen here improve their economic status,” Yusuf said.

In response to the coastal community’s hopes, Banten Deputy Governor Achmad Dimyati Natakusumah emphasised that the government’s current focus is improving fishermen’s welfare and helping them advance economically. The KNMP programme serves as a key instrument for achieving this objective.

According to Dimyati, the Cikiruhwetan KNMP is a pilot project for coastal modernisation. The redevelopment addresses not only aesthetic aspects but also provides comprehensive supporting infrastructure.

“The auction site that was previously run-down has been transformed through the KNMP programme to be cleaner, neater, better organised, and managed more modernly. The development includes a modern fish auction facility, dock, workshop, and training centre to improve fishermen’s living standards,” Dimyati explained.

Given the substantial budget allocated to the project, Dimyati specifically urged the community to maintain these assets.

“I urge residents here to properly maintain all the facilities that have been provided for the common good,” he said.