Central Java Governor Urges Fishermen to Report Illegal Levies During Free Licensing Programme

“Tell your other friends to come here so it can be processed immediately. May it bring blessings,” said Luthfi in a written statement on Monday (22/6/2026).

This was stated during the symbolic handover of fishing sub-sector business licensing documents to fishermen, held alongside the 2026 Central Java Provincial Development Meeting at the Tegal City Pendopo on Monday (22/6).

During the event series, Luth0adfi also requested that fishermen who have already benefited from the service inform others to expedite their licensing processes.

On the same occasion, the Head of the Central Java Investment and One-Stop Integrated Services Agency (DPMPTSP), Sakina Rosellasari, stated that the service targets fishermen operating within 12 nautical miles. According to her, the licensing authority for that area lies at the provincial level.

“Below 12 miles usually includes small vessels of less than 10 GT (gross tonnage). Today, we are conducting a proactive ‘jemput bola’ (outreach) licensing service. We have an innovation called ‘Jebol Ikan’ (Proactive Licensing for Fishing Vessels), which specifically targets fishermen,” she explained.

She continued that the outreach service is deemed necessary because many small-scale fishermen face limitations in accessing digital licensing systems, such as the OSS RBA (Online Single Submission Risk-Based Approach).

“These small-scale fishermen are among the vulnerable. Knowledge regarding OSS and its applications is lacking, so we are the ones approaching them. This is part of the excellent public service in Central Java,” she added.

Under this service, officers assist fishermen in creating email accounts, filling out OSS RBA data, and processing Business Identification Numbers (NIB), Business Sea Fishing Licences (SIUP), and Fishing Permit Letters (SIPI).

Sakina emphasised that the entire service process is free of charge and has been implemented in several coastal areas, including Brebes Regency and Tegal City. The service is also set to continue in Klidang Lor, Batang Regency.

“By possessing a permit, fishermen legally have a legitimate activity. If there is maritime or fisheries supervision, they can demonstrate that their vessels and businesses are licensed,” she explained.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the All-Indonesia Fishermen Association (HNSI) for Brebes Regency, Rudi Hartono, stated that the outreach service helps fishermen manage their business legality. He also expressed appreciation to the Central Java Provincial Government, particularly Governor Ahmad Luthfi, for the regular licensing outreach programme provided to fishermen.

“For Brebes Regency alone, approximately 500 or more have had their permits processed. However, some remain because they may not yet understand or have received the information,” he said.

Additionally, around 1,500 vessels under 6 GT in Brebes have been served through the issuance of small vessel documents and Electronic Fisheries Vessel Books (E-BKP). He noted that fishermen see the existing service as a way to easily obtain permits without any costs.

“With this proactive approach, fishermen feel assisted. There is not a single penny spent. Consequently, the fishermen finally all possess permits,” he concluded.