The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Maritime and Fisheries Affairs, is dedicating a substantial fund of Rp22 billion to transform a coastal area in Banyuwangi Regency into an upgraded and contemporary fishing site. Set on almost one hectare near the scenic Ancol Plengsengan Beach in Lateng Village, this project aims to bring state-of-the-art enhancements to the local fishing industry.
During a visit on the last Saturday of March, Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono and Banyuwangi’s leader, Ipuk Fiestiandani, surveyed the proposed location for development with other government delegates. The Modern Fishing Village initiative seeks to revitalize traditional fishing settlements with advanced facilities for the fishing trade to boost efficiency, local expertise, and economic progression.
This upcoming hub of marine productivity is conveniently located not too far from the hustle and bustle of Banyuwangi City. Currently, this locality doubles as a foodie’s paradise, offering a vast array of seafood culinary delights against the backdrop of the Bali Strait.
The Lateng waterfront is home to approximately 502 fishers who collectively haul an impressive 50 tons of fresh catch a month. Their practices are traditionally rooted, generally involving hand fishing and netting a variety of fish like mackerel tuna, lemuru (a type of sardine), kacangan (sawfish barracuda), and bengkunis (big-eye tuna).
With construction slated to kick off around May, the timeline for the new fishing village’s completion is an ambitious three months. The development stands as a beacon of the government’s commitment to modernizing the sector and empowering local communities. This move is expected not only to enrich their livelihoods but also to stimulate a surge in the quality and quantity of Indonesian marine commodities.
