During Ramadan Visit to Kupang, Trenggono Emphasizes VMS is Not a Burden for Fishermen
Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KP) Sakti Wahyu Trenggono responded to protests from fishermen regarding the mandatory use of vessel monitoring systems (VMS) or ship detection devices.
He emphasized that VMS is not intended to make things difficult for fishermen, but rather to ensure their safety while at sea.
“In fact, VMS is intended to save fishermen when they are at sea. If something happens at sea and they do not have VMS, we cannot detect them and therefore cannot help them, but if they have it, we can help them,” explained Trenggono during his visit to Kupang, NTT, Wednesday (25/2/2026).
According to Trenggono, the mandatory use of VMS does not apply to fishing vessels with a capacity of 10 gross tons (GT) or less. The regulation only applies to vessels with a capacity of 30 GT or more.
“The fishermen we support fall into the category of 10 GT or less. Those with a capacity of 10 GT or less are not required to have VMS. Those who have vessels of 30 GT or more are required to have VMS,” he said.
He emphasized that the government is committed to helping fishermen and will not burden them.
“In fact, we will tend to help them in the future, the requirement is for fishing companies, meaning those who own the vessels,” he said.
Previously, a number of fishermen in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) complained about the regulation requiring each vessel to have VMS. Ahmad (53), a fisherman from Kupang, said he objected to the policy.
“We are not allowed to go to sea if we do not have the device (VMS). Meanwhile, the device itself costs around IDR 17-23 million,” said Ahmad.
Ramadan Safari and Coordination Meeting
During his visit to Kupang Regency, Trenggono conducted a Ramadan safari by visiting the Merah Putih Fishing Village in Sulamu Village. He was accompanied by NTT Deputy Governor Johni Asadoma, Kupang Regent Yosef Lede, and Kupang Mayor Christian Widodo.
“I am here as part of the Ramadan safari, to see the Merah Putih fishing village. Earlier, I visited one location in Sulamu, and it has been completed,” said Sakti.
He ensured the readiness of the fishing village cooperative and asked the KKP (Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries) to improve it.
“I have also asked the Director General of KKP to improve the cooperative and others,” he said.
After the visit, Trenggono held a coordination meeting with regional heads and Deputy Chairman of Commission IV of the DPR RI Ahmad Yohan to discuss the marine potential of NTT and accelerate the development of fishing villages.
“Earlier, with the Deputy Governor and regional heads (mayor and regent) of Kupang, as well as other regional heads via zoom, and the Deputy Chairman of Commission IV as our partner in the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, we held a coordination meeting,” he explained.
Trenggono said that the development of the Merah Putih Fishing Village is part of President Prabowo Subianto’s program to encourage the marine sector economy. In NTT, five of the seven fishing villages have been built and will be re-coordinated in 2026.
“In NTT, five of the seven have been built,” he said.
“In 2026, we will gather and coordinate again, in the hope that we can find coastal areas that we need to build,” he added.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Yohan appreciated the support from KKP in NTT. He hopes that the development of the marine industry can reduce unemployment and poverty.
“We greatly appreciate all the programs from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries entering NTT. Hopefully, with the development of the industry, it can reduce the unemployment rate in NTT,” he said.
“With the existence of the industry in NTT, it will also have an impact on reducing the poverty rate, because it will open many job opportunities for us in NTT,” he said.
He ensured that Commission IV of the DPR RI will oversee the realization of the program in 2026.
(dpw/dpw)