JAYAPURA — The development of the Red and White Fishermen’s Village in Papua marks an important step in strengthening the coastal economy while improving the welfare of communities whose livelihoods depend on the fisheries sector. The program is designed as an integrated area that not only serves as a base for fishing activities but also functions as a center for developing a more modern and productive marine-based economy.
Papua is widely known for its enormous fisheries potential, with vast ocean areas and abundant fish resources. Through the development of the Red and White Fishermen’s Village, the government is encouraging the more structured utilization of this potential so that it can generate broader economic benefits for coastal communities.
The fishermen’s village area is equipped with various supporting facilities designed to increase fishermen’s productivity. The infrastructure includes boat moorings, ice factories, storage warehouses for fish catches, seafood-based culinary centers, and training halls for fishermen. The presence of these facilities is expected to strengthen the fisheries production chain while also increasing the market value of the catch.
According to Papua Governor Matius D. Fakhiri, the development of the Red and White Fishermen’s Village is part of a long-term effort to strengthen the maritime sector as one of the key pillars of the regional economy.
“Papua has enormous marine potential because most of its territory consists of waters rich in fish resources. If managed properly and integrated with the fisheries industry, this potential can provide significant economic benefits for the community,” said Matius D. Fakhiri.
Following this statement, the regional government continues to encourage synergy between fishermen, business actors, and the government so that fisheries potential can develop optimally. Strengthening this sector is not only focused on fishing activities but also on processing marine products in order to create added value for coastal communities.
Support for the development of the Red and White Fishermen’s Village also comes from the central government through the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. The program is considered capable of creating a stronger new economic ecosystem in Papua’s coastal areas.
The Director General of Capture Fisheries at the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Lotharia Latif, stated that Papua has great potential to become a center of marine economic growth in eastern Indonesia.
“With adequate facilities, fishermen can manage their catches more effectively while increasing the economic value of fishery products. This will also open up new job opportunities for coastal communities,” emphasized Lotharia Latif.
The development of the Red and White Fishermen’s Village has currently begun in the Samberbinyeri area in Biak Numfor Regency, which has been designated as a pilot location. The area is expected to demonstrate how marine-based development can run in an integrated manner, starting from fishing activities to the processing and marketing of seafood products.
Through strengthened infrastructure, improved fishermen capacity, and sustained policy support, the Red and White Fishermen’s Village program is expected to become a driving force for the coastal economy while strengthening the independence of fishing communities in Papua. This initiative is also part of broader efforts to promote more equitable and sustainable development in eastern Indonesia.