West Roban Fishermen Receive 11 New Boat Engines as Bhimasena Power Supports More Cost-Efficient Fishing Operations

West Roban Fishermen Receive 11 New Boat Engines as Bhimasena Power Supports More Cost-Efficient Fishing Operations

Bhimasena Power, Batang Power Plant — A total of 25 fishermen from West Roban, Batang Regency, participated in a Single-Cylinder Diesel Engine Maintenance and Repair Training Program organized by PT Bhimasena Power Indonesia (BPI), in collaboration with the Batang Regency Marine and Fisheries Office and the Center for Training Program Development, Tegal, under the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, on October 12–14, 2026. As part of the program, BPI distributed 11 new 24 HP diesel engines to 11 fishermen’s groups in West Roban, awarded training certificates, and provided toolkits to all participants. This support is expected to help fishermen maintain their engines, develop independent maintenance skills, reduce operating costs, and improve their income.

Head of the Batang Regency Marine and Fisheries Office, Budhi Santosa, S.P., M.Si., stated that improving technical skills and providing adequate fishing equipment are essential to supporting the sustainability of small-scale fishing businesses. Through the training and engine assistance, fishermen are expected to optimize their fishing equipment while ensuring proper maintenance.

“Strengthening fishermen’s capacity requires both technical skills and adequate operational equipment. By understanding how to operate and maintain boat engines properly, fishermen are expected to maintain engine performance, anticipate technical problems, and manage maintenance costs more efficiently. We hope this support will improve productivity and contribute to the well-being of West Roban fishermen,” he said.

Budhi Santosa also expressed his appreciation to PT Bhimasena Power Indonesia for supporting the Batang Regency Government in implementing empowerment programs for local fishermen.

General Manager of Stakeholder Relations at PT Bhimasena Power Indonesia, Aryamir H. Sulasmoro, explained that the support for West Roban fishermen reflects BPI’s commitment through the Sekar Laut Program (Sejahtera Keluarga Nelayan Pesisir Laut Utara), which aims to empower coastal communities and improve their well-being.

“To us, the fishermen of West Roban are part of our neighborhood around Batang Power Plant. As neighbors, we want to grow together and ensure that our presence delivers tangible benefits to the communities surrounding our operational area. Through the Sekar Laut Program, we have provided 11 new boat engines to 11 fishermen’s groups, along with toolkits for all training participants. This assistance is complemented by training in diesel engine maintenance and repair, enabling fishermen to keep their engines in optimal condition and independently address minor technical problems. We hope that combining equipment assistance with skills development will help reduce maintenance and operating costs, support smoother fishing operations, and ultimately improve the income and well-being of West Roban fishing families,” Aryamir said.

From a technical perspective, Yudhie Hardian, an instructor from the Center for Training Program Development, Tegal, under the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, explained that knowledge of engine maintenance plays a vital role in ensuring the performance of boat engines. Understanding engine components and systems enables fishermen to conduct routine inspections and perform initial troubleshooting for minor problems without always relying on repair workshops.

“Proper and regular engine maintenance helps maintain performance and prevent problems that can be identified and addressed early. With basic knowledge of inspection, maintenance, and simple repairs, fishermen are expected to handle certain technical issues independently, reducing their reliance on repair workshops. This can potentially lower operating costs and ensure that their engines remain ready for use at sea,” he explained.

Now in its third batch, the three-day training program comprised a total of 20 instructional hours. The training covered diesel engine operating principles, diesel engine operation, fuel system maintenance, and engine cooling system maintenance. Participants received practical knowledge to understand how engines work, conduct routine inspections and maintenance, and identify potential problems that could affect boat engine performance.

With the support of new engines, toolkits, and technical knowledge, fishermen are expected to carry out routine maintenance and independently address minor technical problems. These efforts are intended to keep engines in optimal condition, reduce the risk of breakdowns and unplanned repair expenses, and improve operational cost efficiency. The resulting savings are expected to contribute to higher net income for fishermen.

In addition to technical training, the program included a socialization session on the protection of small-scale fishermen delivered by the Batang Regency chapter of the Indonesian Fishermen Association (HNSI); a session on the role of the Water Police (Polairud) in working with fishermen, delivered by the Batang Police Resort; and a session on the Indonesian Navy’s role in assisting fishermen, delivered by the Batang Naval Unit.

Bhimasena Power also provided information on the Batang Power Plant’s navigation routes to improve West Roban fishermen’s understanding of vessel traffic routes around the plant’s operational area. This session is expected to raise awareness of maritime safety and navigation regulations when conducting activities at sea.

Budiono, a representative of the West Roban fishermen, expressed his appreciation for the training and assistance provided. He noted that the additional knowledge of engine maintenance would help fishermen maintain their engines and manage operating costs more effectively.

“We are grateful for the training and boat engine assistance provided to the West Roban fishermen’s groups. Through this program, we have gained additional knowledge on how to operate and maintain diesel engines properly. We hope to carry out routine maintenance and address minor problems independently, helping keep our engines in good condition and repair costs under control. This will hopefully allow us to carry out our fishing activities more smoothly and increase our families’ income,” he said.

Through the Sekar Laut Program, BPI hopes that its support in the form of boat engines, toolkits, and technical skills development will deliver sustainable benefits to West Roban fishermen. Collaboration among the company, local government, and training institutions is expected to strengthen fishermen’s capacity to manage their fishing equipment more efficiently, safely, and productively.