In the waters of Merauke, South Papua, an important story of empowerment and sustainability is taking shape. Local women are not only fishing but also leading a change in the fisheries industry. The women-led groups Yanbui and Eltimo are showing that community involvement and female leadership can drive a real environmental and economic progress.

At the center 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 not only boosted profitability—raising their gross margin from 25% to 40.7%—but also strengthened their market position, reaching consumers beyond local areas to Jakarta.

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.

Eltimo’s financial journey has been impressive, with their highest gross income recorded at IDR 9,000,000 in March, yielding a net profit of IDR 6,590,000. Although they faced challenges in December due to fluctuating fish seasons and internet disruptions, their gross income still managed to reach IDR 3,602,000, with a net profit of IDR 1,200,000. These figures underscore Eltimo’s resilience and their ability to adapt to market conditions, particularly after a 9.5% increase in sales following targeted interventions and market expansion efforts.

Both Yanbui and Eltimo are committed to environmental stewardship alongside economic growth. These groups practise 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.

Despite their successes, Yanbui and Eltimo have encountered significant challenges in their journey toward sustainable fisheries. According to Hasmawati, one of the major hurdles is the lack of adequate storage facilities, which has at times 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 centers 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.

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.

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.

By Safran Yusri