President Prabowo Subianto has announced a major initiative to bolster the livelihoods of Indonesian fishers, pledging the distribution of 1,582 fishing vessels. This ambitious program aims to enhance the operational capacity of the local fishing industry and drive sustainable economic growth for coastal communities across the nation.
During a visit to the Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih in Leato Selatan, Gorontalo, President Prabowo emphasized his commitment to the welfare of the nation’s fishers. He expressed a strong desire to see these workers prosper, stating, “I want our fishers to be prosperous, and I want them to smile every day because their income is secure. Starting this year, we will build 1,582 fishing vessels to be distributed to our fishing communities.”
The government plans to manage the distribution of these vessels through local fisher cooperatives. While the specific administrative details are currently being finalized, the President clarified that the aid package will include a variety of boat sizes, ranging from small to medium and large, to suit the diverse needs of fishers operating in different regions.
Beyond providing equipment, the administration is aggressively pursuing the development of specialized fishing villages. The government has set a target to establish and inaugurate 1,386 of these villages across Indonesia by the end of 2026. President Prabowo stressed that this infrastructure development is a long-term commitment, with plans to build facilities in approximately 1,000 villages annually to support ongoing operations.
To ensure these villages become hubs of productivity, the infrastructure program will include the construction of essential facilities, such as ice-making plants, cold storage warehouses, and dedicated fuel stations for fishing vessels. These improvements are designed to streamline the supply chain and reduce operational costs for local fishers.
The President’s focus on the maritime sector was recently highlighted during his visit to Miangas Island in North Sulawesi. There, he personally oversaw the handover of a 15-gross tonnage (GT) fishing boat, capable of supporting a crew of five, serving as a practical demonstration of the government’s ongoing commitment to empowering Indonesia’s maritime workforce.
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Summary
President Prabowo Subianto has launched a significant initiative to support Indonesia’s fishing industry by pledging to distribute 1,582 fishing vessels of varying sizes. This program aims to improve the livelihoods and operational capacity of coastal communities, with distribution managed through local fisher cooperatives.
Additionally, the government intends to develop 1,386 specialized fishing villages by the end of 2026, equipped with essential infrastructure such as cold storage and fuel stations. This long-term commitment seeks to boost productivity and reduce operational costs for fishers throughout the nation.
