KKP allocates free education places for children affected by Sumatra disasters

The Ministry of Marine and Fisheries (KKP) has allocated free education places for children of key players in the marine and fisheries sector affected by disasters in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra for the 2026/2027 academic year.

The policy is part of an affirmative action programme for new student admissions under the Key Players’ Children (APU) pathway at KKP vocational education institutions.

I Nyoman Radiarta, Head of the Marine and Fisheries Human Resources Education and Development Agency (BPPSDM KP), stated that the special affirmative action quota accounts for more than 10% of total APU admissions.

Out of 1,310 affirmative action APU places for 2026, 150 are reserved for children of marine and fisheries key players affected by disasters in Sumatra.

Radiarta added that KKP aims to ensure children from key players’ families can continue their education despite hardship from disasters.

He said KKP’s vocational education is expected to serve as a recovery tool and capacity-building measure for young people in the marine and fisheries sector.

The affirmative action programme is available across KKP’s vocational education institutions, at both higher and secondary levels.

For secondary education, the affirmative action is available through Fisheries Secondary Schools (SUPM) in Ladong (Aceh), Pariaman, Kota Agung, Tegal, Waiheru, Pontianak, and Sorong.

KKP views the affirmative policy not only as providing education access but also as a long-term investment to strengthen the socio-economic resilience of marine and fisheries key players’ families.

Additionally, KKP has urged regional governments, fisheries extension officers, and other stakeholders to disseminate the information widely to reach affected communities.