Jayapura — The Provincial Government of Papua is targeting the development of 121 “Red and White Fishermen Villages” as part of efforts to strengthen the marine and fisheries sector while improving the welfare of coastal communities in the region.
Papua Governor Mathius D. Fakhiri stated that the provincial government had previously proposed around 200 locations to the central government to be developed under the Fishermen Village program. However, after an initial verification and assessment process, 121 locations were considered ready for implementation.
According to Fakhiri, the program represents a strategic step to optimize Papua’s vast marine resources. With extensive coastal areas and many residents relying on fishing as their primary livelihood, the development of fishermen villages is expected to stimulate economic growth in coastal communities.
He explained that the Red and White Fishermen Village program will not only focus on fishing activities but will also include improvements to fisheries infrastructure, seafood processing facilities, and distribution systems so that fishermen can gain greater added value from their catch.
“Through this program, we hope fishermen will have better facilities that can increase productivity and ultimately improve the welfare of coastal communities,” Fakhiri said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has deployed technical teams to conduct field surveys to ensure the readiness of the proposed locations. The surveys are part of the process to determine which areas will be prioritized for development under the Fishermen Village program in Papua.
The Papua Provincial Government hopes that the development of these fishermen villages will become one of the main drivers of regional economic growth, while also strengthening the role of the fisheries sector as a key source of livelihood for coastal communities.
