A simple yet impactful innovation improving fishers’ productivity, income, and sustainability.

Background

Small-scale fisheries play a vital role in coastal livelihoods and food security. However, many fishers still rely on traditional bamboo fish traps that are bulky, fragile, and inefficient. These traps typically last only around three months, requiring frequent replacement and increasing operational costs.

Limited vessel capacity further restricts the number of traps fishers can carry, reducing catch productivity and income. In addition, rough bamboo materials often damage fish quality, lowering market value. These challenges highlight the need for a practical, affordable, and sustainable fishing gear innovation.

The Innovation

BULIK MANIS (Bubu Lipat Ikan Mantap dan Istimewa) is a foldable fish trap designed to improve efficiency, durability, and sustainability for small-scale fishers.

The trap features a foldable steel frame and durable netting material, allowing fishers to carry more traps per trip while maintaining ease of handling. With a lifespan exceeding 12 months, BULIK MANIS significantly reduces replacement costs and improves operational efficiency.

The design also enhances fish quality and promotes environmentally friendly fishing practices.

Objectives

The innovation aims to:

• Improve productivity of small-scale fishers
• Reduce operational and equipment costs
• Increase fishers’ income and welfare
• Promote sustainable and selective fishing practices
• Support coastal economic development

Implementation

BULIK MANIS was developed by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries through Balai Besar Penangkapan Ikan in Semarang.

Since 2019, the innovation has undergone prototyping, field testing, and continuous improvement. Implementation includes:

• Technology transfer and training for fishers
• Government-supported fishing gear assistance programs
• Collaboration with local fisheries offices, universities, and partners

More than 350 fishers have been trained, and the innovation has been implemented in 28 regions across Indonesia.

Impact

BULIK MANIS has produced measurable results:

• Vessel carrying capacity increased by 62.5%
• Catch productivity increased by 75.4%
• Fishers’ income increased by more than 80%
• Equipment costs reduced by up to 42% annually

Additional impacts include:

• Improved fish quality
• Environmentally friendly fishing practices
• New local economic opportunities
• Strengthened coastal livelihoods

Public Value

BULIK MANIS represents a public sector innovation that directly supports poverty reduction and sustainable fisheries. The innovation aligns with national blue economy priorities and environmentally friendly fishing gear policies.

It demonstrates how government-led innovation can deliver practical, scalable solutions that improve livelihoods and strengthen food security.

Scalability and Transferability

BULIK MANIS is highly scalable due to its simple and adaptable design. The innovation has been replicated in 28 regions across Indonesia and integrated into government programs.

Its approach can also be adopted in other coastal regions globally, particularly in areas with similar small-scale fisheries challenges.

Stakeholders Involved

• Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries
• Fishing Port Authority (Semarang)
• Local Fisheries Offices
• Small-scale fishers and fisher groups
• Universities and researchers
• Industry partners
• Coastal communities

Sustainability

The sustainability of BULIK MANIS is supported by:

• Integration into government programs
• Continuous training and capacity building
• Use of durable and standardized materials
• Multi-stakeholder collaboration
• Ongoing monitoring and evaluation

These efforts ensure long-term adoption and continued impact.

Recognition & Awards

BULIK MANIS has received national recognition for its impact and innovation:

• 2024 – 1st Place, Public Service Innovation Competition 
  Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Indonesia
• 2025 – Outstanding Public Service Innovation
  Category: Poverty Reduction Innovation, Indonesia

These awards highlight the innovation’s contribution to improving fisher livelihoods and supporting sustainable fisheries development.

Future Development

Future plans include:

• Expanding adoption across Indonesia
• Strengthening fisher cooperatives
• Improving design and materials
• Expanding international collaboration
• Supporting sustainable fisheries globally