The Selayar Islands boast immense fishery potential, supported by vast ocean areas covering 87% of the region and rich coastal ecosystems. This wealth includes a diverse range of species such as pelagic fish (tuna, skipjack, mackerel), demersal fish (grouper and snapper), and mollusks (octopus, squid), resources that sustain the livelihoods and local economies of coastal communities.
Recognizing the critical role coastal women play in household economies, LINI has launched an initiative to empower these women in fisheries, aiming to enhance their socio-economic welfare and foster sustainable local development. Addressing challenges such as limited access to resources and business training. This program works to unlock women’s potential as entrepreneurs and active contributors to fisheries development.
Focusing on small-scale fisheries, the initiative strengthens women’s skills in processing and marketing fishery products. By supporting product innovation, strengthening business groups and providing training and entrepreneurship and marketing. It helps ensure sustainable enterprises and increased women participation in fisheries – based livelihoods.
Collaborating closely with the Fisheries Office of Selayar Islands Regency, Fisheries Extension Workers (Penyuluh), Village Governments, Rumah BUMN, and supported by Gadjah Mada University’s KKN students in Kahu-Kahu Village, the program is being implemented in two key villages: Mekar Indah and Kahu-Kahu. These villages not only have abundant coastal resources but also a strong collective spirit to advance together.
The journey began with a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on June 10-11, 2025, to map potentials and form business groups, involving local authorities and women leaders. The FGD successfully formed four processing and marketing groups, each with unique business ideas: two groups in Mekar Indah—Poklahsar Saburangia Indah and Poklahsar Karang Indah, focusing on producing fish sambal and octopus sambal; and two groups in Kahu-Kahu—Poklahsar Mentari Bersinar and Poklahsar Cantika Pesisir, aiming to make shredded fish floss and squid sambal respectively.
On July 17-18, 2025, members participated in Basic Business Development and Marketing Training designed to equip them with practical business planning skills, entrepreneurial mindset, and targeted business management strategies. This training, facilitated by fisheries extension workers and KKN students, encouraged the women to collaboratively develop actionable business plans tailored to their enterprises.
Following training, each group commenced production trials, creating processed fishery products independently. They conducted shelf-life tests, experimented with flavors and presentations, and deliberated packaging and pricing strategies. Fisheries extension workers provided ongoing technical guidance, while KKN students assisted in marketing efforts by designing product logos and professional photographs.
The program concluded with a workshop on July 24-25, 2025, bringing together government agencies, business facilitators, and community stakeholders. The workshop focused on strengthening management capacity, innovative development, and market-oriented business growth. Presentations covered group management, business development strategies, and product certification procedures. Participants showcased their business plans and presented product tastings, fostering a vibrant and collaborative environment.
Expressing their appreciation, members of the Poklahsar groups said, “Thank you to LINI for the inspiring training that awakened our creativity and spirit. Your support has truly motivated us.” Representatives from Rumah BUMN shared, “This workshop has been an opportunity not only to learn but to build networks with other entrepreneurs. The collective enthusiasm and synergy have been remarkable, thanks to LINI, the government, and UGM students.”
This endeavor marks a significant milestone in transforming coastal women from traditional processors into organized, market-savvy micro-entrepreneurs. The success of this collaborative approach underscores the potential for profound economic and social change, rooted firmly in community and village-level initiatives.
By Agita Dwi Rosmalia Putri
