KKP trains 120 fishing families in Konawe's KNMP to strengthen coastal economy
The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has provided various training programmes for 120 fishing families in the Merah Putih Fishing Village (KNMP) area of Sorue Jaya Village, Soropia District, Konawe Regency, Southeast Sulawesi, to strengthen the economy in coastal areas.
Novia, Head of the Working Team at the Directorate of Fishermen Protection and Empowerment, Directorate General of Capture Fisheries, KKP RI, said the activities were designed to build an integrated economic ecosystem from upstream to downstream following the construction of infrastructure and facilities in the KNMP area.
“So, we are not only building infrastructure, but we are also involving the surrounding community to form an economic ecosystem here,” Novia said while accompanying fishing families attending the training at KNMP Sorue Jaya Village.
Novia noted that the empowerment programme focuses on diversifying fishing family businesses, particularly to strengthen the economy during the off-season for fishing.
She explained that during the training series, fishermen’s wives were trained to make ecoprint products using local natural materials in collaboration with the SerArt Kendari artisan group. In addition, KKP also provided t-shirt screen-printing skills training to capture business opportunities for souvenirs in nearby tourist destination areas, such as Bokori Beach.
“Because there is tourism potential here, there is Bokori Beach. So, later there will also be a business for screen-printing t-shirts and making souvenirs,” she said.
To support smooth fishing operations, Novia continued, KKP collaborated with Honda to hold technical guidance on engine maintenance and repair, complemented by free servicing for local fishermen.
“In collaboration with Honda, there was technical guidance on engine maintenance and repair. Honda also provided free servicing for fishing boat engines for the fishermen here,” Novia explained.
On the financial management and legality side, KKP partnered with the Financial Services Authority (OJK) to educate the public on avoiding the dangers of illegal online loans, as well as Bank BNI for socialisation on business capital access. Field officers also facilitated the registration of business actors into the e-SUKA system (Marine and Fisheries Business Actor Card) as a key requirement for receiving government assistance.
Through the mandate of Law No. 7 of 2016, KKP also continues to strengthen protection programmes for small-scale fishermen under 5 GT and fishermen without vessels through partnerships with BPJS Ketenagakerjaan.
“God willing, in 2026, the government will provide assistance in the form of BPJS Ketenagakerjaan contribution payments for small-scale fishermen. Our hope is that fishing family incomes can increase and the economy in this coastal area can be sustainable,” Novia added.
The training was held over two days, from 15 to 16 August 2026.