IPB University and KKP Deploy 560 Surveyors to Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih
IPB University and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) officially deployed 560 surveyors to conduct a survey on the development of Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih (KNMP) in various regions of Indonesia.
This survey marks the initial step in ensuring site readiness while laying the foundation for community empowerment based on data and real-world needs on the ground.
“A total of 279 locations will be surveyed to ensure land readiness and as an important part of social engineering in the early stages of development,” said Trian Yunanda, SPi, MSc, Expert Staff to the Minister of KKP for Economic, Social, and Cultural Affairs, during the launch event (1/7) at the IPB Dramaga Campus.
The surveyors are tasked with verifying data proposals from local governments, engaging in dialogue with communities, identifying business potential, and developing local business models.
He aims to map fishing villages into business clusters ranging from hub villages to supporting villages. This data will serve as the basis for strengthening assistance, empowerment, and the national fisheries supply chain integrated with the Merah Putih Village Cooperative.
“If we know how much fish is in cold storage, we can prepare the off-takers. This will create price stability and maintain quality through the cold chain system,” he explained.
Prof Iskandar Z. Siregar, Vice Rector for Global Connectivity, Cooperation, and Alumni at IPB University, emphasized the importance of data as a baseline for development.
“Fail to plan is plan to fail. Strong data-based planning is the key to successful development. This survey will be an objective basis for determining future assistance, empowerment, and business models,” he said.
He also assessed the marine and fisheries sector as one of the main drivers towards Indonesia becoming a developed country. According to him, the blue economy concept must continue to be strengthened as a lever for national economic growth.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the KNMP Program Development Implementation Preparation Team, Dr Handian Purwawangsa, stated that his team had selected and prepared 560 of the best surveyors from a total of 4.274 applicants from 72 universities throughout Indonesia.
All surveyors underwent two days of intensive coaching before being deployed to the field. The deployment will be carried out in phases starting December 10, 2025.
“With synergy and high dedication, we are committed to ensuring the success of this survey as the foundation for data-driven policy formulation for the KNMP moving forward,” concluded Dr. Handian, who is also the Director of the DPMA at IPB University. (IAAS/LAN)
