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Women in South Papua lead sustainable change in fisheries

By IW:LEARN

October 21^st, 2024

In the waters of Merauke, South Papua, a remarkable story of empowerment and sustainability is unfolding. Local women are fishing and, most importantly, leading a change in the fisheries industry. Women-led groups such as Yanbui and Eltimo are demonstrating that female leadership and community engagement can drive significant environmental and economic progress.

At the centre of Yanbui's success is Hasmawati, who co-leads the group with her husband, Rachman. Together, they guide their team with a clear focus on sustainable practices. Since its establishment in 2022, Yanbui has rapidly expanded its production capabilities. The group now processes up to one ton of fish each month, supported by freezing and storage technology that ensures product quality and longevity. This increase in production has boosted profitability—raising their gross margin from 25% to 40.7%—and strengthened their market position, reaching consumers beyond local areas to Jakarta.

Women fishers in Merauke, South Papua District, Indonesia during a marine product management training session. Photo: ATSEA-2.

Similarly, Eltimo, an all-women team led by Hasnah, with Mirah as the secretary, represents another example of women's effective leadership in fisheries. Established in 2013, Eltimo has secured essential certifications, including a recent Halal certification from Indonesian Ulema Council (Majelis Ulama Indonesia - MUI) Papua. Their operation, producing up to 106 packages of fish balls per session, shows a strong understanding of market dynamics. In March, they distributed 180 packages to a major brand in Jakarta, further demonstrating their expanding reach.

Financially, Eltimo’s journey has been impressive. In March, their gross income reached IDR 9,000,000, with a net profit of IDR 6,590,000. Despite challenges in December, including fluctuations in fish availability and internet disruptions, they still managed a gross income of IDR 3,602,000. Sales saw a 9.5%.

Women in South Papua lead sustainable change in fisheries

Both Yanbui and Eltimo are committed to environmental stewardship alongside economic growth. These groups practice sustainable fishing that helps preserve the marine ecosystem. Their approach includes waste management strategies where production by-products are turned into marketable goods, reducing environmental impact. Yanbui, for example, has adopted a zero-waste approach in its production of salted fish, achieving an 18.5% increase in sales since the group began receiving guidance from TAKA through the UNDP program. This success is reflected in their financial performance, with Yanbui's highest gross income reaching IDR 66,760,000 in January and a net profit of IDR 19,898,000. Even during slower months, such as December, the group maintained a respectable gross income of IDR 33,684,000 and a net profit of IDR 6,773,500.

However, these successes have not come without challenges. According to Hasmawati, one of the major hurdles is the lack of adequate storage facilities, which has sometimes limited their ability to maintain product quality and manage larger inventories. Additionally, the inconsistency of electricity supply in Merauke has disrupted their operations, particularly during crucial production periods. These challenges have been exacerbated by seasonal fluctuations in fish availability, further complicating their efforts to sustain production levels year-round. However, with the support from ATSEA-2, these groups have been able to address some of these issues by securing better equipment and infrastructure, although the need for more robust solutions remains.

Looking ahead, Yanbui and Eltimo are determined to continue their growth and overcome existing challenges. Hasmawati highlights the importance of acquiring additional storage and processing facilities to meet the increasing demand for their products. By improving packaging methods to make their products more attractive, they aim to add value and expand their market reach, particularly in larger urban centres like Jakarta. Moreover, they plan to explore partnerships with local and national stakeholders, including financial institutions, to secure the necessary investments for scaling their operations. These future initiatives are crucial not only for maintaining their current momentum but also for ensuring the long-term sustainability and impact of their work.

Eltimo’s fish meatballs can be ordered from Tokopedia, one of the leading e-commerce in Indonesia.

To support the continued success of groups like Yanbui and Eltimo, there is a need for greater community involvement and external support. Hasmawati emphasises that with better access to storage and processing facilities, more community members could actively participate in these ventures, thereby enhancing their economic resilience. She also calls for continued collaboration with government agencies and NGOs to provide the necessary resources and training that will help sustain these initiatives.

The work of Yanbui and Eltimo in Merauke is more than a local success; it highlights the role of women in leading change and how empowerment and environmental consciousness can go hand in hand. Through the support of initiatives like ATSEA-2, the capacity to foster a sustainable economy and promote women's leadership is greatly enhanced.

ATSEA-2 supports groups like Yanbui and Eltimo by providing resources such as training, certification assistance, and technology upgrades that streamline production and improve product quality. By focusing on sustainable practices, ATSEA-2 ensures that these fisheries thrive economically while contributing to environmental conservation, setting a standard for responsible industry practices worldwide. Moreover, ATSEA-2 encourages women to take on leadership roles within their communities, advancing the agenda for sustainable and equitable growth.

One of the women fishers processing marine products into fish snacks. Photo: ATSEA-2.

As these groups continue to grow and inspire, they pave the way for more women to step forward and make a lasting impact on their communities and the environment. The support from ATSEA-2 highlights a commitment to nurturing leadership and entrepreneurship among women, positioning them as key drivers of a more sustainable and inclusive future.

About the project

ATSEA-2 is the second phase of the Arafura & Timor Seas Ecosystem Action (ATSEA) program; a regional partnership involving the governments of Indonesia, Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Timor-Leste, with the support of the Australian Government. Its objective is to collectively manage high marine and fisheries resources in the Arafura and Timor Seas (ATS) region. Since its inception in 2019, the Program has been working to promote sustainable development in the ATS and improve the quality of life of its inhabitants through a combination of restoration, conservation and sustainable management of marine-coastal ecosystems.

The ATSEA-2 Project is committed to safeguarding the livelihoods and prosperity of coastal people in the ATS region, particularly in transboundary areas, through the implementation of sustainable integrated concepts. ATSEA-2 is a Global Environment Facility (GEF)-funded program, managed and executed under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) Resource Facility (PRF) is an implementing partner.

For more information on the ATSEA-2 Project, please contact the Regional Project Manager, Dr Handoko Adi Susanto (hasusanto@pemsea.org), visit the project page on iwlearn.net, or the project website.