Aside from tourism, agriculture, mining, and plantation, the eastern part of Indonesia has many to offer. In some cases, the solution comes from the local demands of the product. In this case, the fish product is one of the rising demands in Papua and West Papua. That is why a new project to increase local economic potential is in freshwater fish cultivation. What is the prospect?
The Program To Increase Human Resource In Marine And Fisheries
Indonesia’s Ministry of marine and fisheries has always tried to be part of the eastern part of Indonesian development. In this case, the new program from 2021 is to increase human resources in the related sector. The function and purpose are to accelerate and support freshwater fish cultivation.
The program itself has been covering some aspects and works, including aspiration training in Jayapura, Papua. There is also training and counseling in the same project for the related practices. Moreover, there is also a proposition to establish a Youth Creative Hub as the main support and motor for the youngster in growing entrepreneurship.
The Goal To Grow Fresh Water Fish Cultivation
In general, the goal and function of the program itself are to assert millennials and the young generation to develop Papua and West Papua’s potential. The land itself has a prospect from many aspects, including fish cultivation. The point is to use sustainable and ecological cultivation.
The highlight and potential also have a huge probability to improve the local economy and income. Not to mention the fast growth and development of technology to support the business potential. Freshwater fish cultivation has a higher possibility with technology such as probiotics, Recirculating Aquaculture Systems, and Bioflock.
The point and the function itself are not too far from increasing the local welfare. By providing proper education and skills, hopefully, the project can provide a new prospect for locals. It also gives people the chance to compete in the market, increase income, and help improve people’s happiness and food security.
Freshwater fish cultivation has ranges of superior commodities. The product includes the breeding product of Mutiara catfish, Nila Nirwana & SriKandi, Mustika goldfish, catfish, and bima carp. Those fishes can be the seed of potential freshwater fish cultivation in west Papua and Papua.
Reason Of The Cultivation
1. High Demand
Aside from the need to increase the human workforce, competence, and resources, there is also a definite reason for demand in fish production. In Jayapura, there is a higher need for catfish, carp, Nila, and some other freshwater fishes. The market demand has opened a new potential business for locals.
Unfortunately, many locals are lacking skills and competence in grasping the business and opportunity. That is why the ministry is planning to provide support, infrastructure, and training for local youths locals. It also means to provide and maximize locals’ skills, knowledge, and ability to cultivate and compete for the product in the market.
2. High Potential
Potential is one of the reasons why the ministry is setting its eyes on the project. The ministry highlights that the region always has a high prospect in cultivating and breeding freshwater fish products. It is especially true when people consider how both west Papua and Papua have a high percentage of fish demand.
In Jayapura, around 80% of restaurants need freshwater fish as their ingredient. Moreover, Geologically the land is filled with natural locations to breed the fish. People can breed freshwater in a lake or create a human-made pool to cultivate the fish. Besides, there is a high enthusiasm from locals for the programs.
The program has been running in Jayapura and gathered around 100 participants in under 14 groups. Not only that, the potential and enthusiasm seen from the increasing production every year. At the end of 2021, there is around an 11% increase and fast growth every year. It has proven that the program shows a positive effect.
3. Save Endemic Fishes
Fish cultivation is also a good way to decrease natural habitat yield. In 2021, there is a report that the program has helped lower fishery in marine and natural habitats. In other words, such a program is proven to help take care of the environment and save endemic fish. It is significant since Papua’s water area is filled with beautiful marine life.
4. Provide Supply Of Popular Product
West Papua and Papua’s need for the popular product of fish is also covered under this program. Udang Selingkung or Cherax Albertisii cultivation is an example of successful marketing and demand satisfaction. The endemic freshwater lobster used to be harvesters in natural habitats. But, with proper education people can gain more income and make it a commodity.
Considering the information above, the idea of increasing human resource and competence in the Marine and fisheries sector come with more than one benefit. It does not only help locals to gain more knowledge, but also start developing freshwater fish cultivation. The fish product can fulfill the local food security, fill demand, improve the economy, and save endemic fish.
