Indonesian MP Kaisar Provides Boats to Young Fishermen in Cilacap

Jakarta - Indonesian House of Representatives member Kaisar Kiasa Kasih Said Putra conducted a visit to his electoral district in Cilacap Regency. He carried out activities including community outreach, gathering aspirations from coastal communities, and handing over boat aid to fishing groups. This boat aid is specifically targeted at fishing groups, particularly young fishermen, as a form of encouragement for the next generation to remain confident and proud in pursuing a career as sailors and sea breadwinners. In his speech, Kaisar asserted that the fishing profession is not a backward job. He stated that since ancient times, great civilisations of the world have emerged from agrarian and maritime societies.

“Fishermen and farmers are the foundation of civilisation. Without them, there is no food security and no sustainability of life,” said Kaisar, in a written statement, on Sunday (15 February 2026). “This profession is not a second-class job, but one with a long history, honour, and strategic value for the nation,” he continued. Kaisar added that as a maritime nation, Indonesia needs young generations who are brave in guarding the seas while managing them productively and sustainably. Kaisar also highlighted the strategic position of Cilacap, which has the longest coastline in the southern region of Java Island. According to him, this geographical condition is not just natural potential but must become an economic strength for the region. “Cilacap has a sufficiently long coastline in southern Java; this is our strength. Its utilisation must be able to stimulate local economic growth,” emphasised Kaisar. “Therefore, the fishing profession needs serious attention starting from access to capital, fishing facilities, to the sustainability of fisherman regeneration in the younger generation,” he continued.

Kaisar also touched on the contribution of the fisheries sector to regional and national income. Data from the 2025 quarter shows that production at the Cilacap Ocean Fisheries Port (PPS) reached 38,540.64 tonnes with a value of Rp 1.06 trillion, a significant increase compared to the 2024 production value of Rp 788.4 billion. According to Kaisar, this proves that Indonesia’s maritime sector has the potential to provide profits, especially with improvements in technology, capital, modernisation of fishing gear, and strengthening of supporting systems that can drive added economic value, both at the local and national levels. Concluding the event, Kaisar affirmed his efforts to continue advocating for the aspirations of small fishermen in Cilacap to receive more serious attention in national policies, particularly in terms of access to capital, energy subsidies, modernisation of fishing gear, and protection against extreme weather risks. Kaisar emphasised that support for fishermen is not just about aid programmes but part of efforts to maintain food security and Indonesia’s maritime sovereignty.

In response, Tasiwan, Secretary of KUB Jala Laut, stated that Kaisar’s presence in Jetis Village, Cilacap, is an honour and a new hope for the community, especially for small fishermen who are currently facing various challenges on the ground. “Alhamdulillah, Mr Kaisar as a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives came directly to hear our aspirations. For us, the aid provided is very helpful,” said Tasiwan. “Moreover, if the aspirations of small fishermen can reach the central government so that we get more attention, both in terms of technology, availability of subsidised fuel, and other support,” he continued. Tasiwan added that besides issues of fuel, financial capital, and limited boat facilities, the biggest challenge recently has been the unpredictable weather conditions. “Bad weather forces many fishermen to cancel their voyages. This certainly has a direct impact on our income,” he concluded.