The Banyuwangi Regency government in East Java is promoting the potential of the local fishing industry through the Fish Market Festival, centered in Kampung Mandar. The festival, which began on July 31, 2023, features various activities such as culinary workshops, education sessions, and exhibitions of processed fish products. Banyuwangi's Regent, Ipuk Fiestiandani, highlights that the festival aims to harness the significant potential of the region's fishing industry. By encouraging fishermen to process their catch rather than merely selling fresh fish with minimal profit margins, the festival has contributed to increased income for the local fishing community. In fact, Banyuwangi has witnessed a notable rise in fish consumption, with per capita consumption increasing from 61.25 kg in 2021 to 63.57 kg in 2022, making it the leading regency/city in Indonesia for boosting fish consumption. The Banyuwangi government expresses gratitude to the people of Kampung Mandar, a culinary hub for fresh fish due to its proximity to Boom Beach, which attracts tourists seeking to savor local seafood delicacies.
At the Fish Market in Kampung Mandar, visitors can experience a variety of fresh fish caught by local fishermen. The market offers a range of fish, including grouper, baronang, cakalang, and snapper, among others. As part of the event, the Banyuwangi Regency government has provided occupational safety insurance to the fishermen. Since 2022, around 5,000 insurance policies have been issued to ensure the safety of the fishing community. Aruna, represented by its Co-founder and Chief Sustainability Officer, Utari Octavianty, echoes the Banyuwangi government's focus on local fishermen's welfare. Aruna's campaign on the protein revolution aligns with the government's efforts to educate and encourage Indonesian citizens to consume locally sourced fishery products. Under the Yayasan Maritim Nusantara Lestari's umbrella, three UMKM (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) groups mentored by Aruna consist of fishermen's families from the Kampung Mandar area. These UMKM groups have undergone training and direct mentoring by Yayasan Maritim Nusantara Lestari since last year, covering aspects of production processes, packaging techniques, and certification of household-based food industry products (PIRT). Aruna's mission aims to improve the welfare of local fishermen, enabling coastal communities to contribute to the fishing industry independently and competitively, even at the global level.
