With vast coastlines, rich fishing grounds, and communities whose lives are closely tied to the sea, Papua is preparing to take a major step in strengthening its maritime economy. A new initiative known as the “Red-White Fishermen Village” program aims to transform coastal communities into vibrant centers of fisheries production, economic growth, and local prosperity.
The program, initiated by Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto, is currently entering the survey stage by The Ministry of Marine and Fisheries across several provinces in the Papua region as officials assess potential locations for development, such as done by the Ministry’s team lead by The Director General of Capture Fisheries, Mr. Lotharia Latif, on 05 March 2026, in Jayapura, Papua Province.
A Maritime Vision for Papua
Papua’s geography makes it uniquely suited for such an initiative. Much of the region is surrounded by ocean and rich marine ecosystems, offering abundant opportunities for fisheries and seafood industries.
Mr Latif said the goal is not only to boost fishing activities but also to build an integrated maritime economy, one that includes fish processing, cold storage facilities, logistics, and market access.
“Papua has enormous marine potential,” Governor of Papua, Mr. Matius D. Fakhiri noted during the meeting. The initiative seeks to ensure that the region’s ocean resources translate into real economic opportunities for coastal communities.
Early data from the program show strong momentum. Provincial authorities have proposed around 200 potential locations for the Red-White Fishermen Village program, with more than 120 sites already considered ready for development.
Across the wider Papua region, including Papua, Central Papua, South Papua, West Papua, and Southwest Papua, 179 locations have already been identified, while additional proposals continue to be evaluated through field surveys.
The program is expected to:
- create new jobs in coastal areas;
- strengthen local fishing economies;
- support value-added fish processing industries;
- increase regional revenue through seafood exports.
From Fishing Grounds to Fisheries Industry
Mr. Fakhiri emphasize that the vision goes beyond traditional fishing. Instead of relying solely on catching fish, Papua is moving toward building a complete fisheries value chain, from harvesting and processing to packaging and export.
The region has already begun expanding its seafood market. In one recent example, Papua exported 17 tons of processed tuna, a figure that officials hope will grow significantly as fisheries infrastructure improves.
Such developments could help turn Papua into one of Indonesia’s emerging seafood production hubs.
Empowering Coastal Communities
Beyond economic benefits, the Red-White Fishermen Village program aims to strengthen community resilience and maritime identity. Many Papuan families have relied on the ocean for generations, and the initiative seeks to empower them with better infrastructure, training, and market access. For Papua, where land and sea are deeply connected to cultural identity, this approach reflects a broader vision: development that grows from the strengths of local communities. Papua’s coastal villages may soon become vibrant maritime hubs, where tradition, sustainability, and economic opportunity sail in the same direction.
Papua Disiapkan Jadi Sentra Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih
West Papua Now 