Wilmar Group Unit Continues Fishery Support Programme for Serang Fishermen

PT Multi Nabati Asahan (MNA), a subsidiary of the Wilmar Group and one of Indonesia’s largest palm oil processors, is continuing to support the economic activities of fishermen in Terate Village, Serang Regency, Banten, through a fishing equipment assistance programme that has been running since 2019. The programme is run in partnership with the Berkah Bahari Jaya Cooperative, which currently has 215 fisherman members. The assistance includes nets, biofloc ponds, boat hulls, and river normalization, which are essential for fishing and need to be replaced periodically each year. The support also encompasses social services during major holidays, such as the Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday and religious festivals. According to the Chairman of the Berkah Bahari Jaya Cooperative, Robani Hambali, the cooperative has stimulated economic turnover, particularly for fishermen. The support helps them maintain productivity amidst growing challenges in the traditional fisheries sector. Cooperative members currently operate around 40 small boats and 60 medium-sized boats for fishing. ‘The fishing equipment assistance is very helpful because operational costs continue to rise, while catches are not always stable,’ he said. Robani explained that weather conditions and economic challenges have led some fishermen to switch jobs to the industrial and factory sectors around the Banten region. As a result, many boats are idle. He hopes the company will be willing to provide more capital for fishermen to develop their businesses. ‘Conditions for going to sea are becoming increasingly difficult. Many fishermen are starting to look for other work in factories. Therefore, we hope for future support to develop other businesses such as fish farming and livestock, so the community has additional sources of income,’ he added. Meanwhile, Wilmar Head of Industrial Estate Byron Oswald stated that the company continues to promote programmes focused on sustainably improving the welfare of communities surrounding its operational areas. ‘The collaboration with the fishing community of Terate Village is part of the company’s effort to support the strengthening of the local economy and help the community face business challenges in the coastal sector,’ he said. Moving forward, the company will continue to maintain open dialogue with the community and the cooperative to explore the potential for developing programmes that suit the needs of local residents.