Indonesia to build 1,582 new fishing vessels gradually until 2028
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia will build 1,582 new fishing vessels for fishermen across the country gradually until 2028 as part of the national fishing fleet modernisation programme.
Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono said in a press release in Jakarta on Tuesday that of the total vessels to be built, around 1,000 units are 30 gross ton (GT) capacity vessels prioritised to support economic activities in Red and White Fishermen Villages (KNMP).
According to him, the programme aims to rejuvenate the national fishing fleet, most of which is already old, while increasing fishermen’s productivity.
He also assured that all vessels will be produced domestically to strengthen the national shipbuilding industry as well as open new job opportunities in the maritime sector.
Director General of Capture Fisheries of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) Lotharia Latif added that the initial stage of the programme focuses on building 50 vessels throughout 2026.
According to him, the government is currently preparing the supply chain for materials, equipment, and the readiness of national shipyards to support the programme.
“Building vessels must truly meet technical aspects and professional implementation as well as good and certified construction standards,” said Latif.
He said preparations also include vessel designs, raw materials, equipment, and the readiness of shipyards that will produce the fleet.
The fishing vessel modernisation programme is part of the maritime sector investment cooperation between Indonesia and the UK worth £4 billion or approximately Rp91.6 trillion.
The presence of modern vessels is expected to increase catches, expand sea reach, and improve the welfare of coastal communities.
In addition to vessel construction, the government is currently building Red and White Fishermen Villages.
Of the target to build around 100 Red and White Fishermen Villages in the first phase, 65 locations have been completed.
Red and White Fishermen Villages is the government’s strategic programme to empower coastal communities while encouraging improvements in the local economy.
The government ensures that KNMP is equipped with basic facilities such as docks, roads, drainage, and electricity lighting.
In addition, the fishermen’s villages will also have cold storage or cooling warehouses, ice factories, fishermen’s workshops, logistics kiosks, and fishermen’s fuel filling stations (SPBN).