Government Begins Discussing Solutions for Special Fuel for Fishermen
The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has responded to complaints from fishermen and fisheries businesses regarding the issue of fuel oil (BBM) that is increasingly burdening sea operational costs. This includes the surge in non-subsidised BBM prices exceeding Rp 25,000 per litre, limited access to BBM, and uneven distribution of subsidised BBM.
Director General of Capture Fisheries Lotharia Latif recently met with associations, fishermen’s unions, fisheries businesses, and related ministries/agencies to promote a special BBM scheme for fishermen and fisheries businesses.
“This step is one of the strategic solutions to maintain the sustainability of capture fisheries businesses, considering that around 70 percent of sea operational costs come from BBM,” she stated in a written statement in Jakarta on Friday (24/4/2026).
Latif said the current BBM price increase has the potential to reduce fishermen’s and businesses’ income, even leading to operational losses. Therefore, the government ensures that the subsidised BBM price for fishermen will not increase until the end of 2026, as announced by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.
“Nevertheless, field challenges still arise, particularly regarding uneven distribution and access that is not yet fully accessible to fishermen. In addition, regulatory adjustments are needed through amendments to Presidential Regulation No. 191 of 2014,” Latif added.
KKP, continued Latif, views improvements in distribution governance as key to ensuring subsidised BBM truly reaches its targets. Strengthening supervision and simplifying access will continue to be promoted together with related agencies.
“As a short-term effort, several technical obstacles such as BBM transportation on fish carrier vessels will also be immediately coordinated with the Ministry of Transportation,” Latif added.
Regarding proposals for special BBM prices for capture fisheries businesses, Latif explained that coordination meetings have been held. Cross-sectoral involvement is expected to accelerate the resolution of various BBM issues faced by fishermen and businesses in the field, including with Bappenas, BPH Migas, PT Pertamina Patra Niaga, Ministry of Transportation, Coordinating Ministry for Food, Coordinating Ministry for the Economy, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, and Ministry of Finance. The results of the meeting proposals have been submitted for immediate follow-up by the government.