Crab Apartment Training as an Alternative Business Solution for Gresik Fishermen

17 December 2025

Gresik, 17 Desember 2025 — A total of 30 fishermen participated in the Crab Apartment Construction Training organized by PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) to enhance the capabilities of traditional fishermen in developing crab cultivation through more efficient and commercially viable methods.

“Through this training, we hope fishermen will gain alternative livelihood opportunities that can increase their income and enable them to build more independent businesses,” said Vice President of External Affairs Smelter at PTFI, Erika Silva.

Crab is one of the main catches for fishermen in Gresik, carrying high economic value with steadily growing market demand. However, the majority of crabs currently caught are small in size, resulting in limited commercial value.

Fisheries entrepreneur and training facilitator Eko Husaini explained that crab apartments are artificial structures placed on the seabed that function as shelters and breeding grounds for crabs. “Crab apartment-based cultivation is an alternative approach that can increase crab populations while maintaining ecosystem balance,” he said.

The training was held at the Fishermen Hall in Sidomukti Village on Thursday, December 4, 2025, and was attended by fishermen from Manyarejo, Sidomukti, and Sidorukun villages in the Manyar area. Participants received instruction on crab apartment construction techniques, fattening methods, feed management, and crab condition monitoring. They also took part in hands-on practice in building crab apartments.

“This training helped me understand how to cultivate crabs more efficiently. Through the development of crab apartments, we expect smaller-sized crabs to be grown to optimal size, thereby increasing their market value,” said one of the participants, Sobirin.

This activity marked the third training program organized by PTFI. The two previous programs focused on the use of probiotic cultures as an alternative pond fertilizer to enhance milkfish productivity, involving fish farmers from Banyuwangi, Karangrejo, and Bedanten villages. The next planned initiative will be training on the production of environmentally friendly fishing gear for fishermen in Tanjungwidoro, Watuagung, and Kramat villages.

PTFI continues to support the improvement of community welfare in Gresik Regency through a range of CSR programs in economic development and community empowerment, designed to strengthen capacity and promote sustainable economic self-reliance.

PHOTO CAPTIONS

The participating fishermen collaboratively assembled the crab apartments during the training session, which was held at the Fishermen Hall in Sidomukti Village on Thursday, December 4, 2025.

The construction of crab apartments is intended to provide crabs with sheltered habitats that support natural growth and reproduction.

The crab apartments are made from jerrycans and other simple materials that are readily available for daily use.

Fisheries entrepreneur and training resource facilitator, Eko Husaini, explained that crab apartments offer tangible benefits by helping preserve crab populations while simultaneously increasing fishermen’s income.

Fisheries entrepreneur and training facilitator Eko Husaini demonstrated the construction of crab apartments, enabling fishermen to independently apply the technique in their own operations.

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About PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI)

PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) is a mineral mining company affiliated with Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) and Mining Industry Indonesia (MIND ID). PTFI mines and processes ore to produce copper minerals containing gold and silver.

PTFI markets concentrate worldwide, particularly to domestic copper smelters, PT Smelting. PTFI's mining operations are located in the Grasberg mineral district, Papua - Indonesia. PTFI currently operates the world's largest underground mine using the block caving method. In carrying out its operational activities, PTFI prioritizes responsible business practices.

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