Maqbulatin Nuha: Turning Underused Fish Into a New Coastal Food Economy
Written by Admin • 2026-10-06 01:20:00
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Maqbulatin Nuha is turning underused fish resources into higher-value products while building new economic opportunities for Indonesia's coastal communities.
Maqbulatin Nuha: Building a New Coastal Food Economy in Indonesia
Transforming underused fish resources into innovation and economic opportunities for coastal communities.
Finding Value in an Underused Resource
Maqbulatin Nuha is at the forefront of a transformative initiative that addresses a significant challenge in the fishing industry: the prevalence of low-economic-value fish. These fish are often discarded or left unused, leading to significant food waste and missed opportunities for coastal communities. By reimagining how these underutilized resources can be harnessed, Nuha's work illustrates a path forward, where sustainability meets entrepreneurship. The Berikan Protein Initiative not only seeks to reduce waste but also aims to empower local communities by turning these low-value fish into valuable products.
This innovative approach does not just benefit the environment; it also addresses food security issues by enhancing the availability of nutritious protein sources. By focusing on the potential of low-value fish, the initiative aims to create a circular economy that benefits both local fishermen and consumers, providing them with healthier food options while promoting sustainable fishing practices.
From Fish Resources to High-Value Ingredients
At the heart of Berikan Protein Initiative's success is the use of Fish Protein Hydrolysate (FPH), a powerful ingredient derived from these low-value fish. Through enzymatic processing, FPH is transformed into a versatile ingredient that can be utilized across various applications, including food, animal feed, and agricultural products. This technology not only enhances the nutritional profile of the products but also increases their market value, benefiting local economies.
By leveraging biotechnology, the initiative effectively links science with practical applications, demonstrating how innovation can lead to economic growth. This transformation not only maximizes the utility of existing resources but also fosters a culture of sustainability, encouraging communities to engage in practices that reduce waste and promote healthier consumption.
Building a Business Around Coastal Communities
Maqbulatin Nuha believes in the power of community, especially in coastal regions where fishing is a way of life. The Berikan Protein Initiative focuses on developing the skills of local producers, particularly women in fishing households, who are often marginalized in economic discussions. By providing training in entrepreneurship, product development, and quality assurance, the initiative empowers these women to take charge of their livelihoods.
The human aspect of this business model is crucial. It not only creates new income opportunities but also fosters a sense of ownership and pride among community members. By integrating local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) into the ecosystem, Berikan Protein Initiative ensures that the benefits of the blue economy are shared equitably, supporting the development of resilient coastal communities.
I built Berikan Protein Initiative from scratch to reimagine how low-value fish resources can power the future of food.— Maqbulatin Nuha, CEO & Co-Founder of Berikan Protein Initiative
Facts & Insights
- Berikan Protein Initiative was established in 2021 in Indramayu, West Java, around the momentum of National Fishermen's Day.
- The organization uses Fish Protein Hydrolysate as a core ingredient for applications across food, feed, agriculture and other products.
- Berikanpreneur received a Silver Award at the Global AgriInno Challenge 2026 for its work involving women in fishing communities in creating value from local fishery resources.
2021
Berikan Protein founded
13
Finalist teams in Global AgriInno Challenge 2026
1
Silver Award
6
Editions of Global AgriInno Challenge
When Blue Food Becomes a Business Opportunity
Maqbulatin Nuha's work illustrates how innovation in the blue economy can begin with a resource that already exists but has not yet reached its full potential. By combining biotechnology, product development, and community entrepreneurship, Berikan Protein is building a model in which food security, resource efficiency, and economic opportunity can reinforce one another. The approach also suggests a broader opportunity for coastal economies: rather than exporting raw resources or allowing valuable materials to become waste, communities can increasingly participate in creating higher-value products themselves.
For BritishPEDIA, Nuha's journey offers a compelling example of how entrepreneurship can connect scientific innovation with the everyday realities of food, livelihoods, and coastal communities. As the initiative continues to gain recognition and support, it stands as a beacon of hope and a model for sustainable coastal entrepreneurship worldwide.
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