The Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih (KNMP) program in Bulukumba, South Sulawesi, has achieved a historic milestone as nearly one ton of fresh fish from local catches was successfully exported to Saudi Arabia on January 9, 2026. This inaugural shipment, consisting primarily of tiger grouper and Spanish mackerel, signifies a major breakthrough in connecting local fishermen directly to the international market. The export process was facilitated by integrated cold chain infrastructure at the Bentenge KNMP hub, ensuring that the premium catch maintained its freshness during the journey from Bulukumba to Jeddah via Makassar.
The success of this first delivery has immediately triggered a surge in demand, with international exporters offering to increase orders to 2.5 tons per day. Regional authorities and the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) view this as a transformative opportunity to revitalize the coastal economy and enhance the livelihoods of local fishing communities. With the near completion of modern facilities—including specialized fishing vessels, cooling trucks, and professional processing units—Bulukumba is rapidly positioning itself as a strategic hub for high-value marine exports. This achievement reinforces Indonesia’s commitment to building a competitive, export-oriented fisheries sector from the ground up.
