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The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) is taking significant strides to enhance financial literacy among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through a newly launched mentorship program in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). This initiative, targeting Central Java, East Java, and the Riau Archipelago, will leverage the expertise of fisheries extension workers to strengthen not only individual enterprises but also the broader ecosystem of collective business groups.

Recent assessments of 329 SMEs revealed varied levels of financial literacy, with 47% rated as medium, 34% high, 16% low, and 4% very low. This disparity underscores the necessity for a structured, tiered approach to capacity building, ensuring that SMEs are better equipped to manage their businesses, access financing, and ultimately advance in their sectors.

Moreover, this program aligns with the government's broader objectives, including the development of village cooperatives as emphasized by President Prabowo. By bolstering financial literacy specifically within the fisheries sector, KKP aims to promote transparency in business practices, strengthen cooperative institutions, and invigorate local economies towards self-sufficiency and sustainability.

In addition to the mentorship program, KKP and the Financial Services Authority (OJK) have hosted a financial management webinar that attracted 1,748 participants, including SMEs, extension workers, and relevant government agencies. The outreach has also included educational sessions on financial literacy for over 120 SMEs across cities such as Surakarta, Depok, Bogor, Bekasi, and Karawang.

Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, has emphasized the importance of targeted disbursement of people's business credit (KUR) as a crucial resource for SMEs, asserting that access to financing will not only meet the needs of these enterprises but also contribute significantly to job creation and regional economic growth. In this context, Southeast Asia is poised to emerge as a key supplier of biofuels to Europe, further showcasing the region's potential in sustainable economic development.