In Muara Enim, inland fisheries across the Lematang and Enim rivers, floodplains, and seasonally inundated wetlands support many households not only through capture fisheries but also through downstream activities such as traditional Palembang fish cake (pempek), smoked and salted fish production, and fresh fish trading. Despite this important role, small-scale fishers face seasonal income fluctuations, limited access to finance, basic fishing equipment, narrow market opportunities, reliance on middlemen, and increasing vulnerability to climate and environmental change.
The workshop was designed to address these issues through a set of structured thematic sessions and hands-on activities. It aimed to equip fisheries extension officers and local officials with Community-Based Fisheries Management approaches, improve their understanding of small-scale fisheries value chains, and introduce new or complementary livelihood options that could increase household resilience against seasonal and market uncertainties.
The Head of RIIFE-MMAF, Mr. Rezki Anthoni, expressed his appreciation to the Muara Enim District Government for their support and facilitation. He emphasized the vital role of fisheries extension officers who work directly with communities, as well as the Fisheries Office, which formulates local policies and collaborates closely with field stakeholders.
Opening the event, the Head of the Muara Enim District Fisheries Office, Dr. Fredy Febriansyah, highlighted the strategic role of inland fisheries in ensuring food security, nutrition, and the economic welfare of local communities. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the capacity of fishers and extension officers, encouraging youth and women’s involvement in entrepreneurship, and promoting innovative and resilient livelihood schemes.
Throughout two days of in-class activities, participants explored topics on market-ready product development, including ideation, quality standards, and packaging techniques. They also learned about entrepreneurship communication, focusing on how to build compelling product stories and convey value to consumers, as well as digital go-to-market strategies covering social media, online marketplaces, product photography, and content creation tailored to target audiences.
On the final day, participants joined a field visit to local entrepreneurs, including pempek producers and online fish sellers, to observe firsthand how innovation, creativity, and digital platforms can expand business opportunities.
Through this workshop, the extension officers and staff of Muara Enim Fishery Office will be able to design more effective support programs for fishers, strengthen collaboration among government, research institutions, and local businesses, and encourage the development of diversified livelihood opportunities. In his closing remarks, Deputy Chief of SEAFDEC/IFRDMD, Mr. Toru Shimoda, expressed his appreciation to all partners and urged participants to apply and share the knowledge gained within their communities.