JAKARTA — The Red and White Fishermen’s Village (KNMP) program launched by the government is beginning to show concrete results. Construction of 19 fishing villages has been completed and is now operational. Some of them are even capable of exporting fishery products, signaling the strengthening of the region-based fishing business ecosystem.
The Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries’ Special Staff for Public Relations and Media Communication, Doni Ismanto, said that these villages have carried out integrated production and distribution activities for the catch.
“We’ve already operated 19. Some are already exporting,” said Doni.
The 19 Red and White Fishing Villages are spread across Bumiharjo, Jepara; Pujiharjo, Malang; Lebetawi, Maluku; Gebang Mekar, Cirebon; Karangduwur, Kebumen; and Poncosari, Bantul. All are part of the first phase of the project, which is being carried out at 65 locations across various regions.
Doni added that the construction of the other 46 Red and White Fishing Villages has now reached around 80 percent progress and is targeted to begin operations at the end of January.
“It’s already 80 percent complete, all that’s left is cleaning the streets,” he said.
Each fishing village is designed to offer superior commodities tailored to local potential. The government is developing an integrated fishing business ecosystem, from fishing to cold storage, to sales. This model has been implemented in Samber and Binyeri Villages on Biak Island, Papua, which serve as pilot projects.
“In Biak, they’ve already been exported to Semarang, and it’s already underway. The pilot project is in Biak,” Doni explained.
Meanwhile, Presidential Chief of Staff Muhammad Qodari emphasized that the Red and White Fishermen’s Village Program is not merely a physical development, but a concrete step by the state to enable fishermen to work more productively and safely, and to obtain a more decent living.
“The Red and White Fishermen’s Village program isn’t just about building facilities, but also about how our fishermen can work more productively, more safely, and ultimately smile because their livelihoods are improving,” said Qodari.
He explained that the facilities provided include a boat dock, a fish auction area, business kiosks, cold storage, and a machine repair shop. Qodari also hopes that the development will not only bring physical changes but also improve the welfare of fishermen in a sustainable manner.
“There are kiosks here, where our fishermen can sell their wares. There’s also an auction area, a fish dock, cold storage, and even a beautiful prayer room and mosque. It’s clear this program is bringing a new atmosphere,” he said.
“Hopefully it will not only be a new atmosphere, but will also bring a higher level of welfare for the fishing community,” he said.
He assessed that the enthusiasm and happiness of the fishermen community was a positive signal that the benefits of President Prabowo Subianto’s flagship program were truly felt by coastal communities.