Jakarta – The government continues to strengthen its commitment to promoting economic growth through the empowerment of MSMEs in the fisheries sector. The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), together with Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), has taken a strategic step by involving the community in the Movement to Promote Eating Fish (Gemarikan).
This program not only aims to increase national fish consumption but also serves as an effective instrument for strengthening the economy of fishermen and small businesses in the regions. This collaboration reflects the spirit of mutual cooperation between the government and the legislature in achieving food independence based on local resources.
Victor Gustaf Manoppo, Expert Staff to the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries for Community Affairs and Inter-Institutional Relations, emphasized that MSME empowerment is an integral part of the Gemarikan program design. The Gemarikan campaign, held in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) Province with the Chairperson of Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), serves as a concrete example of the synergy between the government and parliament in driving the grassroots economy.
“This activity is expected to improve the community’s economy, especially for fisheries MSMEs, by absorbing products that are then distributed to beneficiaries in Bantul and Gunungkidul,” said Victor.
He added that cross-institutional collaboration is key to ensuring government programs truly drive the economy from the grassroots level.
Meanwhile, Siti Hediati Soeharto, Chair of Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), also known as Titiek Soeharto, assessed that the habit of eating fish is an important foundation for village economic independence. According to her, Gemarikan has dual benefits: raising awareness of the nutritional importance of fish while simultaneously strengthening the welfare of fishermen and MSMEs.
“The more we eat fish, the more fishermen and fish sellers earn. This means that this healthy and simple habit supports the welfare of families and village communities,” she said.
She also encouraged the community to revive small fish processing businesses. We must unite and process marine and agricultural products together for health and well-being.
“Let’s revive small fish processing businesses so that the community’s economy improves and children get used to eating fish,” she explained.
The Director General of Strengthening the Competitiveness of Marine and Fishery Products (PDSPKP), Tornanda Syaifullah, stated that this regulation represents a concrete step towards implementing the President’s Asta Cita (Government Goal), particularly regarding food self-sufficiency as part of the nation’s defense and security system.
“Gemarikan is a solution to improve the quality of life of the Indonesian people while simultaneously driving the fisheries business, which will ultimately improve public welfare,” Tornanda emphasized.
The synergy between the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), and the community in the Gemarikan movement reflects the spirit of national collaboration rooted in the value of mutual cooperation. Efforts to empower MSMEs in the fisheries sector are not only about improving the local economy, but also about building a culture of nutritious and sustainable food.
