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FLP is seeking to improve the quality and availability of fresh fish on Indonesia's Rote island by providing motorcycle cool R

boxes for mobile fish traders in collaboration with Rote Ndao District's Marine and Fisheries Agency (Dinas Kelautan dan Perikanan - DKP).

18 sets of motorcycle cool boxes were handed over in December 2011, each of which comprises two boxes carried on either side of a motorcycle. One cool box set can carry a maximum of around 20-25 kilos of fish depending on the size and type. Recipients were also provided training on good handling practices while stickers promoting these as well as the benefit of consuming fish were attached to the cool boxes.

“We seek to inform consumers that buying fish from the traders who follow good post harvest practices is recommended. Not only are their fish fresher but they are also more hygienic compared to those not using cool boxes,” said RFLP's National Consultant for Post-harvest and Marketing, Akhmad Rikhun.

ool boxes were distributed to 20 women fish traders in Kadelang Fish Market, Alor District of Indonesia's Nusa Tenggara Timur CProvince 7th June 2011 to help improve fish handing and hygiene in

the market.

Recipients of the cool boxes received training in how best to use the boxes and signed agreements that they would use them correctly. They also formed a group and appointed one of the fish traders, Ms. Sardia Nampira, as chairperson. The group will coordinate fish traders and monitor the utilization of the cool boxes to help promote better fish handling practices and hygiene among local fish traders.

otorcycle cool boxes for distributing fish that were developed and produced with the support of RFLP in Indonesia's Nusa Tengarra Timur (NTT) Province have proven a hit with local politicians in the run up to elections for governor scheduled for 2013.M

A candidate was reported in July to be planning to purchase and hand over 200 of the fibre glass cool boxes to fish traders in 11 districts across the province as part of his campaign.

The success of the cool boxes comes following a lengthy process of capacity building not only of the former school drop outs who make them but also for local NGOs involved in promoting this initiative and training the young people.

Message

Post Harvest and Marketing | RFLP INS | 1www.rflp.org/indonesia

Regional Fisheries Livelihoods Programme for South and Southeast Asia (RFLP)Program Mata Pencaharian Perikanan Kawasan (PMPK) Asia Selatan dan Tenggara

FAO - RFLP INDONESIA

Output 3 : Post-Harvest and Marketing

Motorcycle cool boxes help mobile fish traders keep their fish fresh

Cool boxes for women fish traders to help improve fish market hygiene in Indonesia

Mobile-cool boxes catch politician's eye in Indonesia

ENHANCING FISH PROCESSING AND MARKETING OPERATIONS

Greetings,

We are very glad to publish this newsletter which highlights our work in Post Harvest Fisheries. It is important to

disseminate this information so that our experiences and progress can be adopted in other areas.

RFLP's post harvest fisheries activities are part of a wider strategy to improve fisheries products andboost income for fishers and coastal communities. It includes capacity building for fishers and seaweed farmers,as well as fish based food processors.

The lack of knowledge about handling fish after capture impacts fish quality. RFLP is therefore working to improve the cold chain system and carrying out improvements to fish markets in Kupang City and Alor. RFLP is also building the capacity of fish-based food processors and providing basic awareness of hygienic methods of handling fish.

There has been some success from RFLP activities. For example, the seaweed food products of Shinta Lona from Sulamu in Kupang District will be promoted nationally through an international retail giant. We have also learned a lot of lessons along the way.

Good fish handling practices and high quality fish-based products will not only benefit fishers and their families. Safer and better quality fish will benefit people across Nusa Tenggara Timur province and we hope our experiences can help those further afield too.

Thank you.

Aminudin Salka

National Project Manager

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2 | RFLP INS |Post Harvest and Marketing www.rflp.org/indonesia

FLP in collaboration with the Research and Development Product Processing and Biotechnology Centre of Marine Affairs and Fisheries conducted training on seaweed and catfish processing on 5 – 7 June 2012. R

Nine seaweed products, six catfish products and two mixed products of seaweed and catfish were introduced to participants including ATC (Alkali Treated Cottonii), noodle, syrup, jam, candy, crackers, sesame crispy, catfish nugget, and meatballs made from a mix of seaweed and catfish.

Some of the participants were selected to join existing seaweed processing and catfish farming groups. After training, they will be provided ongoing technical guidance to help them successfully produce the new products.

RFLP encourages product diversification

CAPACITY BUILDING

Exposure visit benefits processors

eaweed processors and alumni of RFLP training programmes took part in an exposure visit to learn new Sskills from households in Surabaya, East Java from 2-7

July 2012. Shinta Lona from Sulamu village, Kupang District was one of the seaweed processors who benefited from the visit. She visited UD Mawas which focuses its core business on seaweed production and learned new processing techniques

DKP staff learn website management issemination of information is crucial during the Internet age. RFLP therefore conducted a 2-day training session for staff of the Marine Affairs Department (DKP) about managing and D

administrating an online fisheries marketing and information system being set up by RFLP at .

The website is an integrated information system for fisheries in NTT province. It contains various information about fish prices, statistics on NTT fisheries and the latest activities of DKP Kupang. It also provides links to important information (such as weather forecasts) from the Agency of Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics of Indonesia (BMKG). The system should become a valuable source of information for both fishers and the authorities in NTT Province while also facilitating the gathering of information and promoting transparency.

RFLP will provide on-going assistance to the website which is scheduled for public launch in October 2012.

www.infoperikananntt.com

Post Harvest and Marketing | RFLP INS | 3www.rflp.org/indonesia

etter quality seaweed translates into more income for seaweed farmers. As part of its efforts to enhance seaweed quality, RFLP organized training November 2011 at four seaweed cultivation areas in Rote Ndao Bdistrict which is a major centre for seaweed cultivation in NTT province. The aim of the training was to

increase the handling and management skills of seaweed farmers along the supply chain as well as to increase their understanding about prices and marketing.

The beneficiaries were mostly the communities and seaweed farmers that received Halymenia. sp seeds distributed by RFLP in October 2011. During the training, the participants learnt about how to produce high quality seaweed. Participants were also introduced to tools and methods such as the seasonal calendar, load tracking and matrix of ranks. These skills will enable them to manage and develop their seaweed production as a main source of household income.

Working for better quality seaweed

ecognizing the importance of helping fisher communities improve their products, RFLP organized training in post harvest fisheries techniques for 20 prospective trainers R

recently.

Held in Kupang from 14 to 19 February, the training provided in-depth knowledge of post harvest improvement and development to participants from the provincial and district-municipality fisheries administrations (DKP), local NGOs, women's empowerment organizations and a fisheries school.

Participants learned how to assess factors that affect post harvest activities and how to use analytical tools such as SWOT and value chain analysis. In addition, they learnt about supply chains and quality analysis as well as fish and seaweed processing during field visits to fish markets and landing sites. Meanwhile techniques for processing fish and seaweed products were also studied in a laboratory.

Training the trainers in post harvest fisheries techniques

ixty women from fisheries communities in three sub-districts of Alor district of Indonesia's Nusa Tenggara Timur province namely Teluk Mutiara, Pantar Barat and Pantar Timur were trained in processing fish products 17-18 March 2011. Supported by RFLP, four trainers of S

the provincial and district DKP delivered five days training to help the women develop fish processing skills.

Participants were trained in how to select good quality fish and to recognize the quality of fish supplies for their processed products. Furthermore, they were trained in how to apply safe and hygienicfish processing techniques and practices in producing shredded fish, salted fish and fishballs.

They were given an introduction into packaging and marketing strategy in order to add a “final touch” to the products. A number of basic items of equipment including knifes, basins, pails, stoves, pansand chopping boardswere also provided to the participants.

Alor women trained in fish processing

FLP in collaboration with Research and Development Product Processing and Biotechnology Centre of Marine Affairs and Fisheries – Ministry of Marine and Fisheries (MMAF), held a capacity strengthening programme for fish processors R

from 18-20 June 2012.

The three-day 'Advanced Fish Processing Training' was attended by 20 participants (19 women and 1 man) each of whom represented a producer group. Skills learned included the improvement of fish products through value-added practices, better hygiene, product label and packaging design, analysing flow chart process, keeping track of production costs etc. Twelve different fish products were introduced to participants including tuna sausage, fish nugget, fish stick, fish balls and fish tofu.

Kupang producer groups learn advanced fish product skills

4 | RFLP INS | Post Harvest and Marketing www.rflp.org/indonesia

RAISING PUBLIC AWARENESS

n an effort to increase public awareness in Indonesia's Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) province about the benefits of eating fish, RFLP Indonesia supported the "Gemar Makan Ikan" or "Eating Fish" campaign organised I

by the Marine Affairs and Fisheries Department (DKP) in April 2011.

Average fish consumption in NTT stands at only 5kg/year, way below the Indonesian average of 30.17 kg/year. As part of the campaign RFLP supported the production of visibility and information items such as a booklet giving various fish recipes and a leaflet highlighting the benefits of eating fish.

Aminudin Salka, RFLP National Project Coordinator in Indonesia said, “The health benefits of eating fish are well known. This campaign to encourage more consumption of fish will benefit many of the most vulnerable people in NTT and at the same time will be complemented by RFLP's various activities to enhance marine resource management.”

RFLP helps highlight benefits of fish diet

ariety of RFLP-supported fisheries and marine processed-products from East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province received Awide attention on the national and international stage

during the 4th Indonesia Fisheries Expo (IFE) at Balai Kartini, Jakarta from 20-23 October 2011.

IFE is one of Indonesia's biggest tradeshows displaying a wide range of fisheries and marine products. Over 100 exhibitors took part with some 10,000 visitors passing through the doors.

A total of 20 local products including seaweed crackers (pilus), sweets, syrups and seaweed jelly, shredded fish, crackers, jerky dried fish and dried squid developed by RFLP in four NTT districts – Kupang City, Kupang district, Rote Ndao and Alor – were exhibited at IFE for the first time.

All were produced by household producers (fishers and coastal communities) who have received production, packaging, labeling and product certification support from RFLP and DKP NTT.

NTT seaweed and processed-fish products 'go national' at Indonesia Fisheries Expo

RFLP joins TNC to promote Savu Sea conservation

FLP joined TNC (The Nature Conservancy) recently to participate in the NTT Development Exhibition 2012 as part of its efforts to create awareness about the conservation of the Savu Sea. R

With a theme of “Laut Sawu Katong Pung Hidup” (Savu Sea is our Life) the RFLP/TNC booth highlighted both marine-conservation and fisheries-based food products. Information was provided about the Savu Sea, the benefits it brings and the species which make it their home as well as how it can be protected.

Two mascots, “Paus” the whale and “To'o” the fish helped attract visitors while kids took part in a coloring competition. Through this event, it is hoped basic understanding about the need for marine conservation could be enhanced. The exhibition took place at the Fatululi Exhibition Arena, Kupang City from 10 – 24 August 2012.

he joint efforts of RFLP and the Marine and Fisheries Agency (DKP) of NTT Province to boost the profile of NTT fisheries products were recognized when they picked up the 'Best Booth Award' at the recent Indonesia Fisheries Expo 2011 in Jakarta.T

The RFLP/DKP NTT booth was chosen from amongst dozens of others representing the 33 provinces of Indonesia. The award was based on the creativity of the booth design, quality and diversity of products on display, visitor appreciation and the interaction between those working on the booth and visitors. Head of Processing and Marketing of Fishery Products Division (P2HP) of DKP NTT Province, Wilhelmus Bate, received the trophy on behalf of Head of DKP NTT, Alfiana Salean.

"It was a nice surprise to win the 'Best Booth' award for the first time after having participated in this annual expo four years. This is a very positive stimulus for us to further promote NTT's fisheries and marine products on both the national and international stage".

total catch fishes and seaweed products have being sold off cheaply during abundant supply periods. Lack of information about how to increase the quality of fisheries product, losses at stages along the distribution chain or related to specific activities such as fishing, transport, processing and marketing are identified as the causes. Addressing the post-harvest fisheries loss, RFLP provided one-day socialization on fisheries supply chain improvement and good handling practices. The training involved 600 members of NTT coastal community in RFLP Indonesia's four districts working area, including 150 fishers, 90 fish traders, 240 seaweed farmers and 120 consumers/housewives. Carried out in 20 different locations, one-day socialization on fisheries supply chain improvement and good handling practices provided comprehensive training materials including post-harvest good practices in handling, storing and transporting fish and seaweed; how to use and maintain ice boxes; what to check for when buying fish; benefits of fish

ost-harvest fisheries loss becomes a big concern because they consumption; how to apply seasonal calender in fishing, etc. A video equate to a loss of valuable protein for consumers and lost showing good handling practices and fisheries activities in other coastal potential income for fishers, processors and traders. Reducing area of Indonesia is also played during the training, such a knowledge P

losses is therefore an important development goal in the fisheries sector. sharing activity that it is hoped the participants will get new inputs about Decreased quality of fisheries and seaweed products supply in East Nusa some improved fisheries supply chains and current fisheries Tenggara Province is also one of serious problems of which 25 percent of development.

RFLP trained 600 members of NTT coastal community on fisheries supply chain improvement and good handling practices

RFLP and Marine and Fisheries Agency win best booth award at Indonesia Fisheries Expo 2011

Post Harvest and Marketing | RFLP INS | 5www.rflp.org/indonesia

ore than 20 seaweed and processed fish products produced following RFLP training and support in coastal communities drew the crowds at the East Nusa Tenggara Province (NTT) Mdevelopment exhibition in Kupang 12 – 27 August 2011.

Hundreds of people from the city and further afield were able to sample the products during the annual expo organized by the NTT government to promote the results of development activities as well as to celebrate Indonesia's Independence Day. On his visit to RFLP booth, the Governor of NTT Province, Frans Lebu Raya accompanied by his wife and government officials was impressed after tasting some of the products.

He was very much interested to find out how local fish and seaweed processors had been able to develop such a wide variety of well-packaged products including shredded fish, fishballs, fish crackers, dried fish, seaweed syrup and jelly, and crispy crunch (known locally as pilus).

Seaweed and processed fish products draw the crowds at NTT Expo 2011

6 | RFLP INS | Post Harvest and Marketing www.rflp.org/indonesia

IMPROVEMENT OF OEBA FISH LANDING CENTRE

PI (Pusat Pendaratan Ikan) is the largest fish landing centre in Kupang City and the main centre for fishers to sell their fish. Unfortunately, it is also one of the dirtiest places in Kupang. Its only entry is sometimes blocked by piles of Pgarbage, flies and pigs are a common sight while the ditches are blocked by waste from fish traders.

The problems are made worse through lack of management. Fishers and fish traders sell their fish without considering hygiene. The landing centre is also managed based on an agreement between fishers and fish traders however this is often violated due the lack of any real rules or control.

Recognizing the importance of enhancing hygiene at the landing centre RFLP has held several meetings with local policy makers, fish traders and fishers to identify ways to improve PPI. RFLP and DKP NTT will collaborate to support improvements through the renovation of infrastructure and the development of regulations. The improvement of fish landing centers is scheduled to be finished at the end of 2012. Below are some images showing the process of improvement.

Oeba

Main building of PPI Oeba.

Discussions with fishers communities to gather information.

Improvements are to be made to lighting

A meeting to discuss further management in PPI Oeba.

A signboard explaining about the renovation process.

Suggestions to improve the fish landing centre.

Motorcycle cart that will be used to pick up garbages.

Fish trading activities being done with motorcycles allowed to enter the trading area.

Fish trading activities being done onthe floor.

Fish Landing Centre in Oeba, Kupang City will be improved

g ro u p , R F L P a l s o fish snack processor group from Indonesia's Nusa Tenggara p r o v i d e d b a s i c Timur province which received support from RFLP has won equipment including a first place in a contest recognizing Small and Medium Asealer, basins, stove, Enterprises producing fish and seaweed-based products. dustbin, hand gloves, The “Setia Kawan” group from Pasir Panjang, Kupang City, took the cleaning tools, cutting prize in a contest organized by the Marine and Fisheries Agency (DKP) boards and knives.of Nusa Tenggara Timur to mark Indonesia's Independence Day.Bu Dorce and her The award was based upon aspects including the continuity of the group are now able to production process, quality of products, marketing and packaging.produce as much as 15

Dortia Sonia Mbura, a 53-year-old widow leads the Setia Kawan kgs of shredded fish group which comprises ten women including herself. The women are while previously they from different backgrounds such as housewives, weavers, stall produced only around owners, and small traders.“I was producing snacks to fulfill my daily 5 k g s . T h e y a l s o needs. I produced various type of zwieback and sold them to stores, produce about 3kgs of friends and family. I managed to produce 30 packs in a week and sold jerked fish (dendeng them for IDR 12,500 per pack,” said Dortia or Bu Dorce as she is ikan) and some 5 kgs of known. fish sticks (stik ikan) a Bu Dorce was also producing abon ikan (shredded fish), however week. although she felt it could be improved she had little knowledge of Profits are shared how to do so. Sometimes she used too much oil resulting in more e q u a l l y a m o n g s t expense and a low quality product. members who have “The problem ended when RFLP gave me training (in June 2011). I joined the production learned about the cold chain system, how to pick good quality fish, run by contributing to working hygienically, and better ways to produce shredded fish. My the initial costs. The group now makes a profit of around IDR 1 – 1.5 product is now better quality, lasts longer and costs me less to make,” million a week compared to IDR 500,000 to 750,000 previously. says Bu Dorce. In Bu Dorce's case the income proved useful to support her family In addition to training Bu Dorce and the members of the Setia Kawan needs.

Kupang processor group picks up prize for fish snacks

SUCCESS STORY

Post Harvest and Marketing | RFLP INS | 7www.rflp.org/indonesia

e has a unique appearance Epa had RFLP attention in Februari 2011 different with the common looks because he was listed as one of the most of Kupang people. His beard is promising processor by DKP Kupang Htied in such way that it looks like a Municipality. From this list, Epa was

pony tail. Despite of his fierce appearance, promoted to get further assistance from deep inside he is a good man, a hard RFLP. worker who never give up to learn new “RFLP gave me training about fish-based things. food processing, product certification, and His name is Epa Lomi Ga. He originally financial literary training”, said Epa comes from Sabu Island. Epa has running explaining about RFLP intervention.his own business, making fish floss and se'i Under assistance of RFLP Microfinance ikan (smoked fish fillet). His processor team, Epa developed a business proposal group is called 'Sisuka', an abbreviation that explain about his potential in making from Bahasa 'Semua Suka Makan Ikan' fish floss and smoked fish fillet. He sent the (Everybody loves to eat fish). The group proposal to state-owned companies that consist of three women and two men. had Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) He started the business back in 2001 after resigned as an employee in his program. relative's business place. The place was also producing fish floss. While he “I finally managed to get a loan from PT Jasa Raharja (Indonesia Insurance worked there, he also learned and memorized how to make a good fish Company)worth IDR 5 million for three years with only 0,1% of interest floss. He is never shy to ask and request suggestion from the experienced per month. It has been 6 month since I got the loan. I also helped by RFLP person. in developing my label and packaging. My products looks great, my “Back in the day, I was only paid as many as IDR 75.000 (approx. USD 8) per customer likes it”, explained Epa.month. But that didn't stop me to learn. I never worry about the small “I sell the fish floss IDR 30.000 per pack and send it to stores and salary. It is the knowledge that is important. Patience is the key, at the minimarkets around Kupang City.”, explained Epa on his marketing.same time I maintain the quality of my product. This is to make my From the selling he can gain money up to IDR 5 million in a month. He product different from others. Food business is still profitable because is now developing smoked fish fillet made of skipjack tuna.people still need food to eat. Besides, NTT Province had so many advantages because its sea produce large number of fishes”, said Epa.

An ex-employee who now has his own business

urhayati Kalurung was once an everyday The group received both training and basic tools from housewife in the Wetabua Sub-district of Alor in RFLP including a freezer, stove, blender, basins and a dust N Indonesia's Nusa Tenggara Timur province. bin. They were taught better hygienic production

However her big dreams and determination to build a techniques as well as how to make two new products, better life have made her well known in her jerked and shredded fish (abon ikan). RFLP also neighborhood. introduced improved packaging for the shredded fish

product. Subsequently the products were registered and A graduate with two children, Nurhayati works as a civil

officially acknowledged by the Provincial BPPOM servant. In 2001, she formed the Sartika fish processors

(Indonesian Food and Drug Control Agency). group producing fish balls.

“I'm very glad that now the women in my neighborhood Nurhayati's group came to the attention of RFLP in 2011

now gossip less and are able to be more productive. The as part of its strategy to enhance and add value to the

family burden had been reduced since they can production of small groups processing fisheries products.

contribute to family income, along with their RFLP seeks to boost incomes of producer groups in coastal

husbands,”she said. communities and at the same time give them the confidence to develop their own products.

Once a housewife, now an agent of change

ote Ndao District is located on Rote for too long, making the ice melt faster. With Island, in Indonesia's Nusa Tenggara insufficient ice the quality of the fish would degrade. Timor (NTT) province. The people in this And no customers would buy fish if they were poor R

area rely on farming, animal husbandry, and of quality.course fisheries. “I usually sell fish to 6-7 different villages in one day. Paulus Giri, 37, and Andrias Leuwanak, 60, are That means I have to travel for more than 50 two Rote fish traders. Using their motorcycles kilometres. The jerry can was not a good way to they sell ikan nipi (Barred garfish)to the preserve the fish”, said Paulus.scattered communities in the district. Buying RFLP identified this problem and sought to help the fish the fish first thing in the morning from fishers, traders. After a series of assessments, it was decided to they store it, and then sell it. help by providing purpose built cool boxes for their “It is a long way from the fish market to the city motorcycles, an innovation developed by RFLP. and it would take some two hours just to Eighteen sets were handed over to traders in December transport the fish before it could be sold. We 2011, with recipients also receiving training on better therefore needed to find a better and more hygiene and sanitation practices. In addition, the boxes effective way to transport the fish without the were fabricated by former school drops outs who quality being impacted,” said Akhmad Rikun, received vocational training from RFLP in collaboration National Consultant of RFLP for Post-Harvest with the ILO EAST project.and Marketing. “Now we don't need to move the fish two times. We Whilst travelling, the traders had problems simply clean the fish, add some ice and put it in the cool preserving the fish in good condition. The fish box. After that, we are ready to sell it,” said Andrias.were sometimes exposed to the sun and wind

Cool boxes help Rote fish traders deliver better quality fish, boost incomes

8 | RFLP INS | Post Harvest and Marketing www.rflp.org/indonesia

About FAO RFLP Indonesia For Further Information:RFLP Indonesia

The Regional Fisheries Livelihoods Programme (RFLP) for South Jl. Sam Ratulangi no.3, Kelapa Lima, Kupang NTT 85100 and Southeast Asia (2009-2013) supports the improvement of Tel. : (0380) 828295 livelihoods and the reduction of vulnerability for small-scale Website : www.rflp.org/indonesiafishing communities in coastal areas through activities in six key areas: co-management, safety at sea, post harvest and Aminudin Salkamarketing, livelihoods, access to microfinance and knowledge National Project Managersharing. Tel. : (0380) 828295 or 0813 7606 2668

Email : Amin.Salka@fao.org; aminsalka@yahoo.comRFLP Indonesia is implemented in four target areas in the province of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) namely Kupang Municipality, Kupang District, Rote Ndao District and Alor District.

Akhmad RikhunNational Consultant for Post Harvest and MarketingTel. : (0380) 828295 or 0821 4750 5076Email : Akhmad.Rikhun@fao.org; akhmad.rikhun@gmail.com