InfoSAWIT, SERANG – PT Multi Nabati Asahan (MNA), a subsidiary of Wilmar Group, continues to reinforce its commitment to community development by supporting the economic resilience of fishermen in Terate Village, Serang Regency, Banten, through an ongoing fishing equipment assistance program.
Implemented since 2019 in partnership with Koperasi Berkah Bahari Jaya, the initiative is designed to help local fishermen sustain their livelihoods amid increasing operational costs and growing challenges in the traditional fisheries sector. The cooperative currently represents 215 fishermen who rely on marine resources as their primary source of income.
Over the years, Wilmar has provided a range of assistance tailored to the needs of the fishing community. The support includes fishing nets, biofloc ponds, boat hulls, and river normalization efforts aimed at maintaining navigable waterways used by local fishermen. The company has also extended social assistance during religious celebrations, including Mawlid commemorations and Eid festivities.
According to Robani Hambali, Chairman of Koperasi Berkah Bahari Jaya, the cooperative, together with the support received from the company, has played a significant role in sustaining the local economy.
"Fishing equipment assistance has been extremely helpful because operational costs continue to rise, while fish catches are not always stable," Robani said in a statement received by InfoSAWIT on Thursday (June 11, 2026).
He noted that cooperative members currently operate around 40 small boats and 60 medium-sized vessels. However, unpredictable weather patterns and economic pressures have prompted some fishermen to seek alternative employment in nearby manufacturing and industrial facilities across Banten.
As a result, a number of fishing boats are no longer being utilized to their full capacity.
"Going out to sea has become increasingly difficult. Many fishermen have started looking for jobs in factories. We hope there will be further support in developing alternative livelihoods such as fish farming and livestock activities to provide additional sources of income for local communities," Robani added.
Meanwhile, Byron Oswald, Head of Industrial Estate at Wilmar, emphasized that the company remains committed to implementing sustainable community empowerment programs, particularly in areas surrounding its operational sites.
According to Byron, the partnership with fishermen in Terate Village reflects Wilmar's broader efforts to strengthen local economies while helping coastal communities adapt to evolving socio-economic challenges.
"Our collaboration with the fishing community in Terate Village forms part of the company's commitment to supporting local economic development and helping communities address the challenges faced in coastal livelihoods," he said.
Looking ahead, Wilmar plans to maintain close dialogue with both the community and Koperasi Berkah Bahari Jaya to identify additional opportunities for development programs that align with local needs.
The company hopes that these initiatives will not only enhance the welfare of fishermen but also create new economic opportunities capable of strengthening the long-term resilience of coastal communities.
As businesses increasingly integrate sustainability into their operations, Wilmar's continued engagement with fishing communities demonstrates how corporate social responsibility initiatives can contribute to broader efforts to foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth. (T2)
