Building resilient coastal communities through finance and conservation
Across Indonesia’s coasts, small-scale fishers are proving that marine conservation and economic growth can go hand in hand. Rare is helping communities combine sustainable fishing practices with innovative finance — from savings groups and small business loans to formal market access and training.
The result: thriving local economies, stronger community leadership, and healthier marine ecosystems. Here’s how three local leaders — Gani, Sudarto, and Amira — are putting this approach into action.
Gani — leading an ice factory for better fish prices in Pasar Wajo Bay
Location: Pasar Wajo Bay, Southeast Sulawesi
Fisherman and elected community leader Gani Rudin spearheaded the launch of a community-run ice factory to reduce post-harvest losses. With Rare’s financial training, Gani and his fisher group now operate savings groups that keep more income in the community — turning marine conservation into an engine for prosperity.
“We realized our income was actually strong. What we needed was the knowledge to manage it.”
— Gani Rudin
Sudarto — connecting small-scale fishers to bigger markets
Location: Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi
A fisherman and local fish buyer, Sudarto now supplies fresh catch to larger markets thanks to Rare’s training and support in registering his business through Indonesia’s national identification system (NIB). This legal recognition opened doors to broader markets, higher prices, and more consistent demand — benefiting him and other fishers he buys from.
“Before Rare, I didn’t have a legal permit. Now I can sell anywhere in Indonesia.”
— Sudarto
Amira — empowering women fishers through social media
Location: North Buton, Southeast Sulawesi
Amira is a fisher, forager, and farmer who shares her coastal life with 23.3K TikTok followers and 18K Facebook fans. She sells her catch directly through social media, using WhatsApp and Facebook Marketplace. With Rare’s support, she now inspires young people and women fishers to engage in sustainable fishing and coastal protection.
“With Rare’s support, I’ve gained more knowledge on how to protect the coast and encourage more women and young fishers in North Buton to become actively involved…to speak-up and engage with the initiative.”
— Amira
Why finance matters for coastal resilience
In Indonesia, access to innovative finance is helping small-scale fishers strengthen their businesses, protect marine ecosystems, and lead community change. Whether through formalizing businesses, building community infrastructure, or inspiring the next generation, leaders like Gani, Sudarto, and Amira are showing that economic opportunity and ocean health are deeply connected.
Continue the journey
Want more stories from the coast?