Papua pushes blue economy through fisheries downstreaming
“Papua has enormous marine resource potential, but it has yet to be utilized optimally,” Fakhiri said while addressing the 2026 Papua Marine and Fisheries Communication Forum in Jayapura, Papua, on Wednesday, June 3.
According to Fakhiri, strengthening the fisheries value chain through downstream development is necessary to ensure that fisheries products generate added value through processing and marketing activities, rather than relying solely on the capture fisheries sector.
“The potential is immense, but it must be managed in an integrated manner to provide direct benefits for communities, particularly fishermen and local entrepreneurs,” he said.
He called on relevant institutions to continue working together to develop supporting infrastructure, including fishing ports, seafood processing facilities, and interregional distribution networks across Papua.
“We cannot do this by ourselves, thus, we need cooperation from all stakeholders to realize the development of supporting infrastructure,” Fakhiri added.
He emphasized the importance of involving local communities throughout the fisheries production chain, from upstream to downstream activities, including the development of fishing villages and community-based economic empowerment programs.
“Through the development of a blue economy supported by marine downstream sectors, the Papua provincial government hopes the sector can become a driver of inclusive and sustainable economic growth,” Fakhiri said.
The government also encouraged fish consumption as part of efforts to improve nutrition and prevent stunting while supporting growth in the fisheries sector.
“Papua’s fishery potential is estimated at around 1.3 million tons annually. Yet, only about 235 thousand tons are currently utilized each year. Therefore, I urge continued efforts to increase fish consumption, particularly through the Free Nutritious Meals program,” Fakhiri said.
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Translator: Bayu Prasetyo, Qadri P