Malang City Government Equips Tobacco Industry Workers with Fish Processing Skills to Boost Economic Independence
The Malang City Government is working to strengthen the capacity of workers in the Tobacco Products Industry sector by providing alternative skills that could be developed into productive activities or independent businesses. Through the Cooperatives, Industry and Trade Agency, the programme is expected to open opportunities and equip workers to increase productivity and broaden their sources of income.
One of the initiatives is fish processing training. This choice was made not only because the skills can be learned practically, but also due to the potential for developing food products that are close to people’s daily needs.
Head of the Malang City Cooperatives, Industry and Trade Agency, Eko Sri Yuliadi, said alternative skills are needed to expand competencies while strengthening the economic resilience of tobacco industry workers.
“Through mastering good, hygienic, and standard-compliant fish processing techniques, employees are expected to be able to utilise their potential for other productive activities. These skills can serve as a foundation for side businesses or future business development,” said Eko.
The training targeted cigarette factory workers in Malang City. Some participants had previously received business capital assistance in the form of work equipment. Strengthening through training is a follow-up so that the assistance received does not stop at being facilities, but can be accompanied by improved ability to manage and develop productive activities.
During the process, participants received guidance from experienced instructors. The material not only focused on how to process food ingredients, but also covered the application of hygiene and sanitation. Participants were then invited to directly practise processing fish into products with added value and market potential.
Knowledge of food cleanliness and safety became an important part of the process. This is because processed products with market opportunities are determined not only by taste, but also by quality, safety, consistency, and processing methods.
On the other hand, food processing skills provide a fairly wide space for creativity. Fish can be developed into various products with shapes, flavours, and packaging tailored to consumer needs. From here, simple skills can develop into business ideas if managed consistently.
The empowerment programme utilises the allocation of Tobacco Excise Revenue Sharing Funds as part of efforts to provide broader benefits to communities related to the tobacco products industry sector. Providing alternative skills is one form of capacity strengthening so that workers have productive assets that can be utilised in daily life.
For the agency, the ultimate goal is not merely to produce participants capable of making processed fish products. Furthermore, the skills are expected to foster the courage to try, develop abilities, and see economic opportunities from their potential.
“We hope this training does not stop at theory and practice alone, but is truly able to encourage increased productivity and economic independence for workers and their families in a sustainable manner,” said Eko.