Mentari Bersinar, a Fish Processing and Marketing Group (Poklahsar) based in Kahu-Kahu Village, Selayar Islands Regency, has received an equipment grant to support the development of locally sourced fishery products. The grant was provided through a funding program supported by Blue Ventures and was officially handed over on May 21, 2026.
The grant consists of 14 production equipment items, including various cooking tools that will support the group’s fish processing business activities. This assistance is expected to increase production capacity while strengthening the role of coastal women in developing value-added fisheries products. Mentari Bersinar is one of the groups supported by Yayasan LINI through its coastal women’s empowerment program, which has been running since 2025. The program is implemented across Banggai Islands, Banggai Laut, and the Selayar Islands, supporting a total of eight Poklahsar groups whose members are predominantly wives of octopus fishers. This initiative forms part of Yayasan LINI’s broader effort to improve the welfare of octopus fishing households by strengthening the capacity and economic role of women within the fisheries sector.
“I believe that investing in women is an investment in families. When women are given opportunities to develop themselves through knowledge, skills, and income-generating activities, the benefits almost always flow back to their families—supporting basic needs, children’s education, healthcare, and improving the overall quality of household life. Through Poklahsar, we aim to provide a space where women can grow, build their capacities, and unlock their potential. ” said Agita, Social Impact Coordinator at Yayasan LINI.
Octopus fisheries are highly seasonal, causing fishers’ incomes to fluctuate throughout the year. In response to this challenge, Yayasan LINI promotes fish processing enterprises managed by fishers’ wives as an alternative source of household income, particularly during low fishing seasons.
Since the establishment of the groups, Yayasan LINI and its partners have provided ongoing support to Poklahsar members in identifying business opportunities, developing business plans, fostering entrepreneurial mindsets, designing marketing strategies, and strengthening financial management skills. This support has led to the development of a variety of fisheries-based products, including fish chili sauce, octopus chili sauce, fish floss, squid chili sauce, shredded fish products, and salted fish. All products utilize locally caught seafood, creating additional value while expanding economic opportunities for coastal communities.
“We are grateful to Yayasan LINI for providing us with the opportunity to learn, start a business, and develop our skills as a way to increase our income and improve our livelihoods,” said Mrs. Sarianti, Chairperson of Poklahsar Mentari Bersinar.
As part of its effort to strengthen women-led enterprises, Yayasan LINI also assisted three Poklahsar groups in the Selayar Islands in applying for Blue Ventures’ equipment grant program. Together, these three groups involve 37 coastal women: Poklahsar Cantika Pesisir (11 members), Poklahsar Mentari Bersinar (16 members), and Poklahsar Karang Indah (10 members). Groups selected for grant application support were chosen based on their level of participation, consistency in business activities, and commitment to developing collective enterprises. These criteria were considered important factors in increasing the groups’ chances of successfully securing grant support.
During the selection process, Mentari Bersinar was identified as the group that best met the program’s criteria due to its consistent business activities and readiness to expand production. Between July 2025 and May 2026, the group carried out six production cycles. Several of these cycles generated profits ranging from IDR 95,000 to IDR 334,000 per production run. This consistency in business operations was one of the key factors contributing to the group’s success in securing the equipment grant.
The grant handover ceremony was attended by fisheries extension officers, representatives from Kahu-Kahu Village, and members of Poklahsar Cantika Pesisir. The event also served as an opportunity for knowledge sharing and motivation, encouraging other groups to continue developing their enterprises actively and sustainably. As a demonstration of their shared commitment, the participating groups agreed on the importance of making the best possible use of the equipment to support productive business activities. If the equipment is not utilized within the agreed timeframe, the groups will jointly evaluate its use to ensure that the assistance delivers maximum benefits for the development of women-led coastal enterprises.
Through adequate production equipment and continued mentoring, it is hoped that fisheries-processing businesses managed by coastal women will continue to grow, create greater value from locally caught seafood, and make a meaningful contribution to improving the welfare of fishing households.
By Retno K. Ningrum and Agita Putri
