Minister of Marine Affairs Aims to Build Multiple Merah Putih Fisheries Cooperatives in West Nusa Tenggara

West Nusa Tenggara Province (NTB) has been designated as a priority region for the development of Merah Putih Fisheries Cooperatives (KNMP). The establishment of these cooperatives is expected to help reduce poverty levels in the area.

The Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, stated that KNMP facilities will be constructed in every district that has fishing villages. The cooperatives are targeted to lower poverty rates in their respective regions.

“I have already communicated with the Regent, particularly in NTB and also in the East Nusa Tenggara region, which I have visited as well. We will build as many KNMP cooperatives as possible in any location where there are fishing villages,” said Trenggono during a visit to East Lombok to inspect the KNMP development project in Ekas Buana Village on Friday (27 February 2026).

The poverty rate in East Lombok stands at approximately 13 percent. Trenggono expressed confidence that the establishment of KNMP cooperatives would help reduce this figure.

“The poverty rate is at 13 percent, and with the presence of KNMP, we are optimistic that we can reduce poverty levels,” stated Trenggono.

Trenggono explained that the KNMP cooperatives are designed to increase fishers’ productivity levels. With the various facilities available at these cooperatives, he is convinced that fishers will become more prosperous.

“Once productivity levels increase, fisher prosperity will automatically improve as well,” he added.

East Lombok Regent Haerul Warisin (known as Iron) acknowledged the crucial support provided by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries and highlighted how the KNMP facilities have significantly benefited local fishers. These facilities include ice-making factories and fish storage units.

“Alhamdulillah, our fishers here are greatly assisted, especially with the ice factory and cold storage facility, which is tremendously helpful,” said Iron.

He noted that the cold storage facility at the KNMP is expected to stabilise the prices of caught seafood. “Fishers will no longer worry about what to do with large catches if they cannot sell them immediately, as they can now store them in the cold storage facility first,” he explained.