Gus Lilur Applauds Prabowo's Policy on the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Regulation No. 5 of 2026

Surabaya, VIVA – An entrepreneur from Situbondo, Khalilur R Abdullah Sahlawiy, or Gus Lilur, revealed that the email he sent to President Prabowo Subianto received a positive response from the government. That response materialised through the publication of the Ministerial Regulation of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (Permen KP) No. 5 of 2026.

Permen KP No. 5 of 2026 is a revision of Permen KP No. 7 of 2024, which had previously drawn criticism from the Balad Group owner. In his letter to the President, Gus Lilur put forward several strategic proposals relating to the national lobster trade, particularly the policy on exporting Benih Bening Lobster (BBL).

He proposed that the government halt exports of BBL to Vietnam and replace them with a policy exporting lobsters that have been reared to a minimum size of 50 grams. According to him, this policy would deliver far greater added value for fishermen and domestic aquaculture operators.

“Permen KP No. 5 of 2026 is a pure idea that I wrote in an email to the President and then published by journalist colleagues. Alhamdulillah, the idea received a positive response from the President and ultimately led to Permen KP No. 5 of 2026,” Gus Lilur said in a statement, Friday, 6 March 2026.

Gus Lilur expressed appreciation to President Prabowo, whom he regards as open to ideas and constructive input from the public, including from businessmen in the fisheries sector.

He also thanked the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono and the Director-General of Aquaculture Tubagus Haeru Rahayu who studied the proposal technically until it resulted in the regulatory revision.

According to him, the government’s move to revise this regulation demonstrates alignment between national leadership and the ministry in addressing real problems faced by operators on the ground.

“This fact shows that President Prabowo is a leader who is open to ideas and constructive input. His cabinet colleagues are also able to translate the on-ground issues accurately,” he said.

He believes the new policy will be a breath of fresh air for the marine aquaculture sector, especially for lobster operators in Indonesia. Not only will it benefit large companies, but it will also provide greater economic opportunities for fishermen and breeders across various regions.