Inspects KNMP Pujiharjo, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Calls for Upgrades

The Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, inspected the Koperasi Nelayan Merah Putih (KNMP) Pujiharjo, Tirtoyudo District, Malang Regency, on Wednesday 4 March 2026. During the visit, Trenggono evaluated several facilities considered not yet optimal despite the contractal completion of the project. The visit forms part of monitoring the Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih (KNMP) developments in various regions. Previously, Trenggono inspected similar projects in Nusa Tenggara Timur and Nusa Tenggara Barat before continuing to East Java, Central Java, and the Special Region of Yogyakarta. “This is part of my visit to ensure that the Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih development meets standards and quality so that it can function properly,” Trenggono said on site, according to a press release. He noted several works that need to be completed promptly, including the provision of fresh water that is still brackish and sedimentation at the boat berthing area. “The issue of clean water must be resolved. We will also carry out sedimentation at the boat berthing area immediately,” he asserted. Some facilities are said to be operating, such as an ice plant and cold storage. However, the construction of the Fishermen’s Fuel Filling Station (SPBN) is still in the coordination stage. “It is not yet 100 percent perfect, but it can operate. Facilities that are not complete must be filled promptly,” he added. Trenggono emphasised that management of Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih will be conducted professionally by Koperasi Merah Putih with the assistance of the Ministry of Cooperatives. In 2026, the government targets the construction of 1,000 Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih across Indonesia, adjusted to the needs and number of fishing vessels in each region. Meanwhile, Malang Regency Fisheries Office head Victor Sembiring said that under contract the 2025 physical progress of development had reached 100 percent. Nevertheless, a number of ministerial evaluation notes will be followed up. For 2026, the regional government proposed building SPBN on the port side, dredging sedimentation, and reinforcing revetments to widen and secure the vessel entry/exit routes. “The expectation is that all vessels can berth directly in the water, not on sand, so that their lifespans are longer and the risk of damage is reduced,” he said. The brackish-water issue will be addressed through drilling a source of fresh water to support the ice plant’s operations, which currently has a capacity of around 2 tons per cycle. Victor assessed that KNMP development would be a catalyst for the local fishermen’s economy. The number of fishing vessels in Pujiharjo rose from about 30 units in 2017 to 300 units today. Pujiharjo is also known as a landing centre for burying eel (layur), a high-value export commodity. In 2025, layur production in the area reached about 5,000 tons with a price range of Rp 50,000 per kilogram. “Because of the potential and growth of the fishermen, this area is deemed worthy of becoming Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih,” he said. The visit was attended by Malang Regent Sanusi, Malang-Batu District Military Command (Dandim 0818 Malang-Batu) Lt Col Inf Bayu Nugroho, Malang Police, and several related regional agencies.