Equitable Modernisation of Fishing Vessels

In the initial phase, the government will prioritise the construction of 50 vessels measuring 30 GT this year. Jakarta (ANTARA) - The government’s ambition to build 1,582 fishing vessels by 2028 marks a major effort to modernise the national capture fisheries sector. This step emerges amid longstanding issues still plaguing fishermen, from ageing fleets and technological limitations to high operational costs and inconsistent catch quality. Modernisation is also deemed necessary to enhance the competitiveness of the national fisheries sector while meeting international demands for more modern and environmentally friendly vessels and fishing gear. The fishing vessel modernisation programme forms part of the maritime sector investment cooperation between Indonesia and the UK worth £4 billion, or approximately Rp91.6 trillion. Through this cooperation, the two countries have agreed to build 1,582 fishing vessels, all produced domestically to strengthen the national shipbuilding industry and accelerate the transformation of the capture fisheries sector. The programme encompasses the construction of 1,000 vessels of 30 gross ton (GT), 557 vessels of 200 GT, 20 vessels of 500 GT, and five 500 GT carriers. In the initial phase, the government will prioritise the construction of 50 vessels of 30 GT this year. Alongside the implementation of the programme, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) is opening a large-scale recruitment to meet the needs of fishing vessel crew (AKP). This recruitment is part of the preparations for operating the new fleet, which requires a workforce with more modern and professional technical capabilities. The need for crew reaches more than 20,000 people, from captains, chief engineers, ship officers, to ordinary seamen for fleets ranging from 30 GT to 500 GT. The details include approximately 10,000 personnel for 30 GT vessels, 469 personnel for 200 GT vessels, and 625 personnel for 500 GT vessels. The required positions include 1,582 captains, 577 fishing masters, 1,582 chief engineers (KKM), 4,935 officers, and 11,418 ordinary seamen (ABK). Participants who pass the selection will receive training and certification before being placed on the new vessels.