How the Coordinating Ministry for Food Plans to Boost Protein Self-Sufficiency

The government, through the Coordinating Ministry for Food, is intensifying efforts to achieve national protein self-sufficiency. This move follows the government’s success in achieving self-sufficiency for carbohydrate-rich foods.

Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan stated that the scope of food needs is very broad, with the public requiring enhanced nutritional content in every food product, from carbohydrates to protein. The government has already achieved self-sufficiency in rice and corn, which are rich in carbohydrates. Now, it is focusing on boosting production of fish, shrimp, eggs, and chicken.

“This year we are focusing on protein self-sufficiency: fish, shrimp, eggs, chicken. We are also looking at milk and beef, but that is not easy. We are focusing on chicken and fish first,” he said during CNBC Indonesia’s Economic Update 2026 on Tuesday (23/6/2026).

Zulhas noted that the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) is also intensifying efforts in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s directives. To that end, KKP will develop ‘Red and White Fishermen’s Villages’ (Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih). The villages are designed to boost fishermen’s welfare while strengthening the national fisheries supply chain.

According to Zulhas, the fishermen’s villages address classic problems often faced by fishermen across various regions. These include difficulties in selling their catch at competitive prices due to middlemen and a lack of storage facilities, which affects the quality of their catch.

Therefore, in 2026 the government is targeting the construction of approximately 20,000 Red and White Fishermen’s Villages across Indonesia. These villages will be equipped with facilities to support fishermen’s needs, such as Red and White Fishermen’s Cooperatives, fish auction halls, ice factories, cold storage warehouses, and distribution and marketing networks for their catch.

Consequently, fishermen will have a stronger bargaining position in the market. If they are still unable to sell their catch at competitive prices, the Red and White Fishermen’s Cooperative will act as an offtaker. “It will be purchased by the Red and White Fishermen’s Cooperative. The cooperative will then supply the National Nutrition Agency’s SPPG,” Zulhas concluded.