Sustainable Synergy: Batang Power Plant Strengthens Fishermen Empowerment Through Technical Training and Strategic Partnership

Bhimasena Power, Batang Power Plant – PT Bhimasena Power Indonesia (BPI) has once again reaffirmed its commitment to empowering coastal communities through the launch of Technical Training on the Maintenance and Repair of Single-Cylinder Diesel Engines for fishermen in Dukuh Roban Timur. The activity, held from 9–11 February 2026, represents a concrete step toward improving the economic independence and technical skills of fishermen in the operational area of the Batang Power Plant. The opening ceremony was also attended by speakers and representatives from HNSI Batang, BPPP Tegal, the Water Police (Polairud), and the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL).

BPI Chief Operating Officer Naofumi Yasuda, in remarks delivered by BPI’s Community Relations & CSR Manager Ahmad Lukman, emphasized that the training is intended to enable fishermen to independently maintain their engines, thereby reducing fishing operational costs.

“Through the implementation of our CSR programs, we seek to demonstrate both our care and our strong commitment to supporting fishing communities along the coast of Batang Regency. Amid weather conditions that have prevented them from going out to sea, we hope this initiative will not only provide short-term assistance but also strengthen the fishermen’s long-term independence and resilience in facing future challenges,” said Naofumi Yasuda.

Batang Regent M. Faiz Kurniawan, S.H., M.H., in a written speech read by First Assistant to the Regional Secretary Darsono, stated that strengthening human resources is key to managing Batang’s marine potential. He highlighted a major challenge: of the total 722 small-scale fishermen, only around 37 currently have the technical ability to independently repair boat engines.

“The Batang Regency Government has set a target over the next five years (2026–2030) to produce 500 engine-skilled fishermen. Today’s training for 25 fishermen from Roban Timur is a very crucial first step. We extend our highest appreciation to PT BPI for fully funding this initiative,” the Regent emphasized.

Rusnaeni, a fisherman from East Roban, said the program’s benefits are directly felt by the community, especially as fishermen are currently facing difficulties going to sea due to weather conditions.

“We are very grateful for this opportunity. By receiving direct knowledge from experts and assistance in the form of 25 wrench sets, we now have the means to independently maintain our boat engines. A wrench set in the hands of knowledgeable fishermen like us will be an important tool to sustain our families’ livelihoods in the future,” Rusnaeni said.

The event also marked a historic moment with the signing of a Cooperation Agreement on Social, Economic, and Environmental Empowerment Programs for Coastal Communities between BPI and the Pemerintah Kabupaten Batang.

Acting Head of the Batang Marine and Fisheries Service, Dr. Agung Wisnu Barata, expressed hope that this synergy will continue sustainably in preserving coastal ecosystems and improving the welfare of communities around the Batang Power Plant.

Throughout 2025 to early 2026, BPI has initiated various flagship programs for fishing communities, including ongoing technical empowerment through boat engine repair training; social and infrastructure assistance such as free electricity connections for 12 houses in Roban Barat, renovation of three uninhabitable houses in Roban Timur, and mass circumcision events; as well as environmental conservation through the planting of tens of thousands of mangroves and the installation and monitoring of fish shelters (rumpon) and artificial coral reefs in Batang waters.