President Prabowo Subianto has announced an ambitious government initiative to complete the development of 1,386 “Merah Putih” (Red and White) fishing villages across Indonesia by December 2026. This comprehensive program is strategically designed to elevate the livelihoods and overall well-being of the nation’s fishing communities.
During a working visit to Miangas in the Talaud Islands, North Sulawesi, on Saturday (9/5), President Prabowo emphasized the urgency of the project. “By December 2026, we will officially inaugurate 1,386 fishing villages throughout Indonesia. I hope that such a village can be established in Miangas as well,” the President stated. He further stressed that the fisheries sector is a top priority for the government this year, committing to a massive nationwide effort to improve the living conditions of fishermen starting immediately.
To accelerate this vision, the government is prioritizing rapid infrastructure development. As a gesture of immediate support during his visit, the President presented local fishermen with a 15-ton fishing vessel capable of supporting a five-person crew. Beyond providing equipment, the government plans to outfit these specialized fishing villages with modern amenities, including cold storage facilities and dedicated fuel stations to streamline daily operations.
The President has urged all stakeholders to ensure the project remains on schedule, as the Merah Putih Fishing Village program is expected to significantly bolster the marine sector while strengthening national food security. The project is designed to foster an integrated economic system, seamlessly connecting fishing, storage, processing, and marketing within a single, efficient ecosystem.
The effectiveness of this model has already been demonstrated at the pilot project site in Samber Binyeri, Biak, Papua. Data from the pilot shows that individual fisherman productivity surged from 5.35 tons to 10.85 tons per year—a remarkable 101 percent increase. Additionally, the average number of days spent at sea increased from nine to 13, representing a 44 percent improvement in operational activity.
See also:
- Prabowo to Provide 1,582 Fishing Boats Through the Fishing Village Program
- AHY Promises Relocation for Fishermen Affected by Giant Sea Wall Project
- Government to Build One Thousand Fishing Villages This Year
Summary
President Prabowo Subianto has launched an initiative to complete 1,386 “Merah Putih” fishing villages across Indonesia by December 2026. This strategic program aims to revitalize the fisheries sector by providing modern infrastructure, including cold storage facilities and fuel stations, to improve the livelihoods and productivity of local fishing communities.
The project, which draws on the success of a pilot program in Biak that saw a 101 percent increase in annual catch productivity, is a government priority for enhancing national food security. By creating an integrated economic ecosystem that connects fishing, processing, and marketing, the administration expects to significantly bolster the marine sector and support the nation’s fishermen.
