PT Phoenix Resources International (PRI), through its Community Development (Comdev) program, continues to actively contribute to community empowerment initiatives.

Following last year’s program, where the pulp and paper company empowered local communities, particularly housewives, to produce Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) products from agricultural-based processed foods and snacks, this year the focus has shifted to marine resources from the waters of Tarakan.

This program is targeted at the residents of Kampung Bengawan RT 18, Juata Permai Subdistrict, where the majority of the population works as fishermen. Specifically, it is aimed at the fishermen’s wives, who are organized under the “Marine Product Innovation Program for Fishermen’s Economic Development,” known as “Si Jala Bengawan.”

On February 8, 2026, members of the group were invited by the Comdev Team of PT PRI to participate in a benchmarking visit and training session on processing marine-based derivative products.

The activities included visits to marine product businesses in Juata Laut and Sebengkok Subdistricts, as well as hands-on training in Kampung Empat, East Tarakan District. Participants learned to produce various seafood-based products such as nuggets, amplang (fish crackers), fish balls, and crackers.

“The objective of this program is to broaden knowledge in MSME product development and to increase motivation among housewives in the Bengawan coastal community to explore business opportunities,” explained Ari Ristanti, Program Lead of PT PRI’s Comdev.

“We hope that through this training, the fishermen’s wives in Kampung Bengawan can maximize the potential of the fisheries resources available in the Juata area,” she added.

Representing the Bengawan community and the Si Jala Bengawan group, Safarinah expressed her appreciation and gratitude to PT PRI for initiating this community empowerment program.

“This activity is very beneficial for us in starting MSME businesses based on fisheries products. We hope we can grow as expected by PT PRI and achieve success like other MSMEs. Once again, we sincerely thank you,” said Safarinah.

As with previous initiatives, the Si Jala Bengawan program initiated by PT PRI is carried out in collaboration with the Tarakan City Government through related agencies, including the Department of Industry and Manpower, the Health Department, the Fisheries Department, and the Juata Permai Subdistrict Office. (*)