IPB University Himiteka Students Assist Women in Kronjo to Process and Market Salted Fish Products

The Student Organization Capacity Building Program (PPK Ormawa) team from the IPB University Association of Marine Science and Technology Students (Himiteka) conducted a series of training sessions for coastal women in Kronjo Village, Tangerang Regency, Banten.

Through the Samudera Bahari program, IPB University students assisted the women of Kronjo Village in making salted fish jerky using tembang fish. In addition to fish processing techniques, participants were also equipped with skills ranging from packaging to digital marketing.

Making Salted Fish Jerky

During the first training session, participants took part in a hands-on demonstration of making salted fish jerky alongside Julastri, Chief of Neighborhood Unit 03 in Kronjo Village, who served as both a resource person and guide for each stage of production. Julastri demonstrated the process from cleaning the tembang fish and seasoning to the unique drying technique that distinguishes this salted fish jerky from ordinary salted fish. Participants also practiced making original salted fish as a comparison.

“Training like this is certainly very beneficial, especially since it targets coastal women who don’t have much to do, allowing them to learn through this program,” said Julastri.

The participants’ enthusiasm was evident throughout the event. The women followed each step carefully until they successfully produced two products, namely dried salted fish and traditional salted fish, which were then moved to the drying stage.

Packaging and E-commerce Training
The mentoring continued with training on product packaging and creating e-commerce accounts. This activity focused on enhancing product competitiveness through more attractive packaging while expanding market access digitally.

The salted fish processed by the community was packaged in 250 gram standing pouches featuring stickers designed by a team of students. In addition, participants received training on creating Shopee and TikTok Shop accounts. 

“Salted fish should be packaged properly to attract buyers,” said Mega, a member of the Himiteka Student Organization’s PPK team who provided packaging training to the participants.

According to one of the representatives from the Fisheries Department who was present, the ability to market products through digital platforms will help the women’s group in Kronjo Village reach a wider consumer base.

“This training on creating e-commerce accounts will be very helpful for Kronjo Village in expanding the reach of their fishery product sales beyond the local area,” she added.

Natasya Amelia Putri, a member of the student team, said that the training aims to improve the technical skills of coastal communities in processing their catch of tembang fish into products with higher economic value compared to selling fresh fish. 

“This program is also expected to open up opportunities for productive activities for women in Kronjo Village while serving as a source of additional income for families,” she said. 

She and her team hope that the Samudera Bahari program will become a sustainable initiative to strengthen the economy of coastal communities through more optimal utilization of marine resources. (*/Rz) (STD/HNY)