The 26th Anniversary of Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP) in 2025 served as an important platform to reaffirm the strategic role of women in national development. Carrying the theme ‘The Strategic Role of DWP in Educating the Nation’s Children for Golden Indonesia 2045’, the celebration highlights character education, family resilience, and women’s empowerment as key foundations for Indonesia’s future. As part of the commemorative series, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries’ (MMAF’s) DWP hosted an event on 16 December 2025 at the GMB 3 Ballroom in Jakarta.

Notably, the celebration was not merely ceremonial in nature, but also served as a tangible platform to showcase the work and creativity of women, including women fishers. GEF-6 Coastal Fisheries Initiative (CFI) Indonesia took part by setting up an exhibition booth featuring a range of flagship products developed by supported groups, as well as practical outcomes of knowledge management initiatives. This participation demonstrates that the economic empowerment of women fishers is not merely rhetorical, but has translated into competitive products with real economic value.

GEF-6 CFI Indonesia booth at the 26th Anniversary of MMAF’s Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP), Ballroom GMB 3, Jakarta (16 December 2025).

At the CFI Indonesia booth, women fisher champions from Southeast Maluku and Ambon City showcased a diverse range of creative products based on local resources. The displays were dominated by ecoprint batik handicrafts—an environmentally friendly technique that uses natural leaves and flowers as motifs. A variety of products, including ecoprint batik fabrics, tote bags, handbags, reversible bucket hats, scarves, beach blankets, and outerwear such as vests and rompers, successfully drew strong interest from visitors

The CFI Indonesia booth also received visits from several MMAF’s DWP female leaders, including Ernawati Trenggono (Spouse of the Minister), Wida Didit Herdiawan (Spouse of the Deputy Minister), Wie Rudy Heriyanto (Spouse of MMAF’s Secretary General), Banat Mustika Pung Nugroho (Spouse of the Director General of PSDKP), Henny TB Haeru Rahayu (Director General of Aquaculture), Eviyanti Lotharia Latief (Spouse of the Director General of Capture Fisheries), and Poppy Syahril Abd Raup (Director of PSDI). Their presence strengthened the moral support and opened networking opportunities for women fishers.

Gender Champion of MMAF, Wiwik Wulandari, who accompanied CFI Indonesia during the event, expressed her appreciation for the active participation of women fisher champions. She noted that the presence of the GEF-6 bazaar during the DWP anniversary brought real benefits to coastal communities.

“The event was lively with the presence of the GEF-6 bazaar, which provided direct benefits to women fishers and the fishing community, especially in Papua and Maluku. Through ecoprint training, from production to sewing, women fishers have been able to produce fabrics, bags, and hats as sustainable livelihood alternatives to improve household income,” said Wiwik.

GEF-6 CFI Indonesia Team together with Women Fisher Champions participating in the 26th Anniversary of MMAF’s Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP), Ballroom GMB 3, Jakarta (16 December 2025).

GEF-6 CFI Indonesia Project Manager, Dr. Adipati Rahmat, appreciated the event’s implementation. He emphasized that the involvement of women fishers in national-scale events is an integral part of gender mainstreaming efforts in the marine and fisheries sector. “The GEF-6 CFI Indonesia project consistently provides space for women fishers to be present, participate, and showcase the results of their hard work at both local and national levels,” he said.

Adipati further highlighted that the participation of women fisher champions in the 26th DWP Anniversary aimed not only to introduce their featured products but also to build communication and expand market networks. This aligns with the MMAF’s commitment through the GEF-6 CFI Indonesia Program to promote the marketing of MSME fishery products, both food and non-food, so that business flows remain sustainable and economic benefits can be enjoyed directly by coastal communities.

Similarly, GEF-6 CFI Indonesia Safeguard and Gender Specialist, Faridatun Amalia, emphasized that the active involvement of women fishers is a strategic step to broaden spaces for participation and recognition of women’s roles. “When women are given safe and equal spaces to participate and showcase their work, they build confidence, economic independence, and bring positive impacts to their families and communities,” Amalia said.

Currently, various products supported by CFI Indonesia have been successfully marketed through modern retail outlets in Ambon, Langgur (Southeast Maluku), and Bula (Eastern Seram). These achievements demonstrate that women fishers are capable of becoming drivers of household economies and agents of change within their communities.

Participation of GEF 6 CFI Indonesia in the 26th DWP Anniversary marked a new symbol of hope: that women fishers are no longer positioned behind the scenes, but are now present on the national stage, sharing stories of perseverance, innovation, and tangible contributions toward Golden Indonesia 2045.