Banyuwangi, September 15, 2025 – Fishbank Indonesia, in collaboration with Sinergi Foundation, has officially launched its program at Patoman Beach, Banyuwangi. The initiative, titled “Empowered and Prosperous Fishermen: Preserving the Sea, Securing the Future,” was made possible with the full support of PT Henan Asset Management.
The event was attended by the Regent of Banyuwangi, Hj. Ipuk Fiestiandani, S.Pd., M.KP., who expressed her strong support for coastal community development. She emphasized that Fishbank serves as a “fish savings” system that brings hope. With simple yet meaningful technology, Fishbank delivers ecological, social, economic, and tourism benefits. “This program builds Banyuwangi with prosperous fishermen, a growing economy, and a sustainable ocean,” she said. The Fishbank Indonesia initiative in Patoman Village is expected to boost the coastal economy, particularly in Patoman.
Also present was Mr. Erie Sudewo, an expert in community empowerment programs and the initiator of Fishbank Indonesia. He highlighted the importance of honesty, leadership, and organizational capacity as the foundation for sustainability. These three principles, he explained, are essential for ensuring that empowerment programs continue to thrive and bring lasting benefits.
On the same occasion, Mr. Yuyu Wahyudin, Executive Director of Fishbank Indonesia, underlined the critical role of ongoing assistance in empowerment programs. Without proper guidance, he noted, it is difficult to establish sustainable initiatives. “There must always be someone to keep the community’s spirit alive, as this program is designed for long-term benefits. As philanthropic institutions, we must realize that the most valuable form of support is presence—being there with the community,” he stated.
The Fishbank Indonesia program in Patoman builds upon previous successes at Bomo Beach, with a strong focus on marine cultivation, coral reef restoration, and seafood-based food security. Among its key initiatives is the construction of more than 50 Fishbank modules—artificial fish habitats combined with coral transplantation—an innovation developed by fishermen at Bomo Beach, one of Fishbank Indonesia’s pilot areas.