Mahina Laha’s journey has not always been smooth. The main challenges they face include limited raw materials in Ambon and internal group dynamics. However, they continue to strengthen their solidarity and build mutual trust to grow into an independent, reputable, and widely recognized business group. 

The leader of Mahina Laha acknowledges that the group's progress today is inseparable from the support of CFI Indonesia. "We sincerely hope that the support from GEF6 CFI Indonesia will continue, allowing this group to further develop in production, marketing, and training for more women in Maluku," said Maliha. 

Mahina Laha’s hard work has yielded remarkable results. Negeri Laha secured the third place in the National Developing Tourism Village category at the 2024 Indonesian Tourism Village Awards (ADWI), which was organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy. This achievement not only brought pride to Desa Laha but also proved that community-based economies can serve as a pillar for regional development. 

 The Deputy for Resources and Institutions at the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Martini Mohamad Paham; the Director of Destination Management, Florida Pardosi; ADWI 2024 jury members, Vindek Tengker and Madeine Sophie; the Acting Mayor of Ambon; the Head of the Ambon City Fisheries Office; the Head of the Ambon City Tourism Office; representatives from Basarnas, Pertamina; and the Head of Angkasa Pura 1 Ambon were among those who visited the GEF 6 CFI Indonesia Fostered Group. Martini expressed her appreciation for the ecoprint products made by the women of Laha. She and her delegation even purchased several ecoprint batik products from the Mahina Laha batik group during the ADWI 2024 assessment in Negeri Laha, Ambon City. 

A similar form of support came from the Head of the Ambon City Fisheries Service, Feberien Maail, S.Pi., MT, who committed to promoting the ecoprint batik through various social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, and TikTok. 

Meanwhile, the Ambon City Tourism Office has ordered a significant number of blue tote bags to promote to various parties as part of the broader effort to introduce Mahina Laha’s ecoprint products. 

As market demand continues to grow, Mahina Laha plans to expand its marketing network and establish partnerships with more institutions. Their product range is becoming increasingly diverse, including ecoprint batik fabric for clothing, scarves, hijabs, tote bags, and ecoprint-patterned tumblers. These products have been showcased on various occasions and have received positive recognition, even internationally, through the Global CFI network. 

As a continuously growing community, Mahina Laha is a testament to how women's empowerment can create a significant economic and social impact. They not only uplift the profile of coastal women but also contribute to preserving local culture through the art of ecoprint. With ongoing support and an unyielding spirit, Mahina Laha will continue to inspire Maluku and Indonesia, proving that great change can begin with the creative hands of coastal women. 

CFI Indonesia, through the GEF-6 grant titled "The Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) in Eastern Indonesia (Fisheries Management Area - FMA 715, 717, & 718) Components A, B, and D", is a collaboration between Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) as the implementing agency and the WWF GEF Agency as the managing institution. This initiative, which began on December 23, 2019, and is scheduled for completion on December 31, 2026, aims to strengthen sustainable coastal fisheries management in the FMA 715, 717, and 718 regions. 

As part of its commitment to empowering coastal women economically, CFI Indonesia supports the Mahina Laha micro-enterprise group in Laha Village, Ambon. Through training and the development of ecoprint, a fabric dyeing technique using natural materials, this group has created new economic opportunities for fisherwomen. Their ecoprint products are now widely marketed, including at Pattimura Airport in Ambon and Space Island Resort. 

With a focus on environmentally friendly creative industries, Mahina Laha serves as an example of how women's empowerment can contribute to economic resilience, cultural preservation, and sustainable development in Maluku. 

Related content:  

1. CFI Indonesia YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGqdUP5yII0 - CFI Indonesia: Pembuatan Ecoprint di Seram Bagian Barat, Maluku 
2. CFI Indonesia Website: https://cfi-indonesia.id/  
3. GEF-6 CFI INDONESIA: PELATIHAN PEMBUATAN BATIK ECOPRINT BAGI WANITA NELAYAN DI KABUPATEN SERAM BAGIAN TIMUR