The Indonesian government’s Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih (KNMP) initiative is transforming Biak Numfor’s coastal villages into thriving economic hubs. This program, launched by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), aims to modernize traditional fishing communities, enhance local economies, and improve the livelihoods of Indigenous Papuans.
A Comprehensive Development Approach
In 2023, the KKP invested approximately IDR 22 billion to develop the Samber-Binyeri coastal village into a modern fishing village. The project includes essential infrastructure such as a dockyard, cold storage facilities, ice plants, fish landing shelters, and a fish auction center. Additionally, the development encompasses training centers, clean water installations, drainage systems, and waste management facilities.
The establishment of the Samber-Binyeri Modern Fishing Village has significantly impacted the local economy. Before the intervention, the community’s annual income was approximately IDR 1.42 billion. With the new facilities and support, this figure has increased to IDR 4.9 billion per year.
Strengthening Local Economies through Cooperatives
A key component of the KNMP is the formation of the Samber Binyeri Maju Cooperative (KSBM). This cooperative manages the village’s fishing activities, ensuring that fish catches are processed and marketed efficiently. Through KSBM, the community has expanded its market reach, exporting fresh fish to major cities like Semarang and Surabaya.
The cooperative model has proven effective in enhancing economic resilience. For instance, the establishment of a cold storage facility has enabled the community to preserve fish quality, leading to increased sales and income. Similarly, the development of a culinary center has created new business opportunities, further diversifying the local economy.
Broader Implications for Papua’s Development
The success of the Samber-Binyeri Modern Fishing Village serves as a model for other coastal communities in Papua. The KKP plans to replicate this initiative by establishing 100 Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih across Indonesia, aiming to modernize fishing villages and improve the welfare of coastal communities.
This program aligns with the government’s broader objectives of poverty alleviation and sustainable economic development in Papua. By empowering local communities through infrastructure development and cooperative management, the Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih initiative is fostering a more prosperous and self-reliant future for Papua’s coastal populations.
In conclusion, the Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih program exemplifies a successful model of community-driven development. Through strategic investments and collaborative efforts, the Indonesian government is paving the way for a sustainable and equitable economic transformation in Papua’s coastal regions.
Conclusion
The Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih program represents a transformative step in improving the economic well-being of coastal communities in Papua, particularly in Biak. By combining infrastructure development, cooperative management, and market access, the initiative has significantly increased local incomes and empowered Indigenous Papuan fishermen. The success of the Samber-Binyeri model highlights how targeted government programs, when implemented effectively, can create sustainable economic growth and reduce poverty in remote regions. As the government aims to replicate this model across Indonesia, Biak stands as a strong example of how modernizing traditional sectors can drive meaningful and lasting development.
