SOUTH HALMAHERA, INDONESIA — A bold vision to elevate Indonesia’s coastal communities is taking shape in Bibinoi Village, as leading marine expert and Indonesian legislator Prof. Rokhmin Dahuri spearheads a transformative initiative aimed at turning the village into a world-class fishing hub.
During a strategic working visit to Bibinoi in South Halmahera on April 10, 2026, Prof. Rokhmin Dahuri — member of Indonesia’s House of Representatives (Commission IV) — conducted a direct assessment of the site designated for the Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih (Red-and-White Fishermen Village) program. The initiative, supported by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, is designed to modernize coastal economies through integrated infrastructure and value-chain development.
Despite its abundant marine resources, Bibinoi has long faced a paradox: rich fisheries potential coupled with limited infrastructure. The absence of cold storage, logistics systems, and processing facilities has prevented local fishermen from maintaining product quality and accessing broader markets. As a result, incomes remain low and the village’s economic potential underutilized.
Prof. Rokhmin emphasized that addressing these structural bottlenecks is essential to improving fishermen’s welfare. He stressed that development must go beyond symbolic programs and instead focus on building an integrated ecosystem — from upstream production to downstream market access*
“We have a moral and constitutional responsibility to improve the welfare of all communities dependent on marine and agricultural sectors,” he stated, underscoring that national duty transcends electoral boundaries.
The proposed transformation of Bibinoi is not merely infrastructural— it is systemic. The program envisions the village as a pilot model for coastal development, combining modern fisheries technology, efficient supply chains, and local wisdom. With the introduction of facilities such as cold storage and improved logistics, local catches are expected to meet high-quality standards required for national and international markets.
Local government leaders, including South Halmahera Regent Bassam Kasuba, expressed strong support for the initiative, recognizing its potential to create a new economic growth center in the region. Collaboration among government agencies, academics, and local stakeholders is seen as key to ensuring long-term sustainability.
Beyond Bibinoi, the initiative reflects a broader national agenda championed by Prof. Rokhmin Dahuri: transforming Indonesia into a global maritime powerhouse by empowering fishermen through infrastructure, innovation, and equitable market access. His approach aligns with the concept of integrated agromaritime development — where fisheries, agriculture, and local economies are connected into a single, value-creating system.
If successfully implemented, Bibinoi could become more than just a revitalized fishing village—it could stand as a blueprint for Indonesia’s coastal future, proving that with the right policies and leadership, traditional communities can rise to global standards without losing their identity. []
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