The Indonesian Inspiration for Building Foundation (YIIM), supported by PT Insight Investments Management (INSIGHT) (Insight IM), plays an active role in providing support for community empowerment and environmental preservation. One of the active roles is through the Energy Village Program for fishermen in Boleng Darat Hamlet, Tanjung Village, Boleng, Boleng District, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

West Manggarai, a district in NTT which is included in one of the five super priority national tourism strategy areas (KSPN). This is a national program that is a priority for President Joko Widodo’s working cabinet in the tourism sector, especially in Labuan Bajo, one of the sub-districts in West Manggarai. By prioritizing Labuan Bajo in Komodo District as a strategic development point, practically other sub-districts in West Manggarai experience inequality. Based on data obtained from BPS in “West Manggarai in 2023 figures”, several important issues emerged that highlight inequality in population, access to health, nutrition for children under five, poverty, employment, as well as the challenges of sustainable development. In fact, this inequality is not merely a local problem, but is also a reflection of larger challenges in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The high percentage of poor people in West Manggarai (17.15%) also shows that economic inequality is still a challenge. Unequal distribution of the results of economic growth remains a challenge. The unequal distribution of the results of local economic growth and access to decent jobs is the main factor causing this gap.

In Boleng Darat Hamlet, there are 37 fishermen who are used to catching fish for household needs, including selling to neighbors. Meanwhile, there is enough fish to sell in the city. This process takes a long time and often causes a decrease in fish quality. Apart from that, fishermen also have difficulty getting ice blocks to cool fish during trips to Labuan Bajo, because ice blocks are currently only available in conventional form.

YIIM together with Insight IM and collaborating with the Insan Bumi Mandiri Foundation (YIBM) through the Energy Village Program, aims to increase the capacity and support of fishermen so they can run their businesses well and increase the profits of fishermen who are members of the Boleng Hamlet fishermen group. The beneficiaries of this program are fishermen, their family members, and the general public in Boleng Hamlet.

The Energy Village Program starts from April to December 2024. The activities and assistance provided include the procurement of a set of Solar Power Plants (PLTS) and cold storage with specifications, 1 icemaker, 2 600L cold storage, 4 12V 100 Ah batteries, 6 200 Wp solar panels, 1 2kW hybrid inverter, MCB DC solar panels and MCB DC batteries. Apart from providing these supporting tools, fishermen are also given the formation and strengthening of fishing groups. Training and assistance in financial literacy, processing of fish derivative products, family resilience and health.

In August 2024, YIIM together with Insight IM provided assistance with 5 boats and 20 fishing equipment such as fishing rods and 20 trawls. This assistance is to support the increase in fishing groups to fish and increase fishermen’s productivity and income generation.

The assistance program that has been carried out has had a direct impact on the fishing groups there, for the village energy equipment is operational and used by fishermen to make ice cubes and also store fish. Until August 26 2024, there was a total catch of 260 kg of fish from fishing groups and the purchase of ice cubes was based on fishermen’s orders and was able to generate a turnover of around IDR 900,000 and half of it went into the fishing group’s treasury for electricity and so on. Apart from that, YIIM, Insight IM and YIBM continue to carry out mentoring activities to expand market access to increase the income of fishermen groups.

This Energy Village Program is a form of Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) or corporate social responsibility (CSR) from Insight IM to the community, which is part of Insight IM’s commitment and is in line with SDGs numbers 1, 2, 7, 8 and 17, namely eradicating poverty, hunger, clean and affordable energy, decent work and economic growth, as well as partnerships to achieve goals.

YIIM is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people from various circles, founded by social and humanitarian activists. To realize this goal, YIIM is open and open to all forms of cooperation from all groups so that it can be distributed to beneficiaries who need it.

Salam Inspirasi!