The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) is driving the production of export-quality anchovies on Pasaran Island, Bandar Lampung, to support the fisheries industry and enhance the local economy. Deputy Minister Didit Herdiawan, speaking in Jakarta on Sunday, highlighted the importance of empowering local women to create high-quality anchovy products. As one of Indonesia’s top anchovy producers, Pasaran Island holds significant potential to generate additional household income for fishing families. Collaborating with the Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection (KPPPA), KKP aims to enhance women’s entrepreneurial skills and diversify products based on local wisdom. "Improving women’s capabilities to create value-added products is crucial to boost household income," Didit stated.
The infrastructure built by KKP on Pasaran Island, designated as a Modern Fishermen’s Village (Kalamo), is expected to improve income and create higher value-added products. Proper management, according to Didit, can help minimize economic downturns during off-seasons and maintain market stability. Echoing this, Budi Sulistiyo, Director General of PDSPKP, reported monthly production volumes of 2-5 tons of processed anchovies, generating IDR 20-50 million in revenue, with each processing unit employing 10-20 workers. Current sales are concentrated in Jakarta and Lampung, but KKP encourages cooperatives to explore both domestic and international markets. During his visit, Didit also urged KKP units to enhance public services and collaborate effectively to fast-track food security initiatives. The Kalamo program, a part of the Blue Economy strategy by Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, aims to increase fishermen’s productivity through improved fisheries infrastructure. Similar programs have been implemented in Biak, Papua, and other regions.
