Papuaaround.com – Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka continued his working visit to Papua on Thursday (Sept. 18) with a stop at the Hamadi Fish Landing Base (PPI) in Jayapura City. The visit reflected the government’s attention to strengthening the fisheries sector in the province, which is considered to have enormous economic potential.
The Head of Papua’s Marine and Fisheries Office, Iman Djuniawal, stated that the central government’s involvement underscores Papua’s strategic role in the national fisheries industry. According to him, Papua has an estimated annual fish production capacity of around 1.3 million tons, a figure that could significantly contribute to the country’s food security and export earnings.
“Through proper support, Hamadi PPI can evolve into a modern hub for fishing activities, ensuring added value for local fishermen,” he said.
Iman explained that development plans are already being prepared to optimize the facility. Authorities aim to construct a multi-purpose building that would accommodate fish processing units on the ground floor, a hygienic fish market, and office space on the upper level. This vertical integration, he noted, is intended to maximize land use and boost efficiency.
He also emphasized the need for infrastructure upgrades, particularly the construction of a dock that can handle larger vessels. Such improvements, he argued, would allow Papua’s catches to be marketed across wider regions and even reach international buyers.
Currently, about 90 percent of Papua’s fishermen are still categorized as traditional fishers. Strengthening facilities at Hamadi PPI is therefore seen as crucial to improving fair price guarantees, expanding business opportunities, and increasing regional income through fisheries. Data from the local office recorded 1,181 fishermen operating in the area, including 256 indigenous Papuan (OAP) fishers.
This was Gibran’s second day of official duties in Papua. On Wednesday (Sept. 17), the vice president visited SMP Negeri 2 Sentani in Jayapura Regency, where he inspected the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program. During the school visit, students expressed enthusiasm at the rare opportunity to interact directly with a vice president.
Teachers and students highlighted the excitement of the event, with many describing it as a memorable experience. A student from Grade VIII B, Aurelia Suruan, said she was grateful to have the chance to personally greet Gibran, noting that such moments are seldom experienced in their community.
Meanwhile, Gibran’s trip to Papua coincided with the inauguration of new cabinet members by President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta. The vice president was absent from the swearing-in ceremony, with the State Secretary explaining that Gibran was engaged in an out-of-town agenda.
The reshuffle marked the president’s second cabinet adjustment in September, following an earlier round on September 8. While the political spotlight in Jakarta focused on the new ministers, Gibran’s agenda in Papua emphasized local development, particularly in education and the fisheries sector.
Through his visit, the vice president signaled a commitment to ensuring that Papua’s natural resources and human potential receive consistent national support, especially in sectors that could drive long-term prosperity for the region.