KKP builds collaboration to accelerate priority programmes for food self-sufficiency

The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) is building collaboration with all ministries, agencies, regional governments, businesses, academics, and the public to accelerate priority marine and fisheries programmes in support of food self-sufficiency. Minister Trenggono stated during the National Coordination Meeting in Jakarta that the forum serves as a strategic national consolidation space to unify direction, strengthen coordination, and ensure the implementation of KKP’s 2026 priority activities runs faster, is better targeted, and delivers tangible benefits to the community. He noted that the development of the marine and fisheries sector plays a strategic role in strengthening food sovereignty through the provision of fish protein and salt, driving sustainable economic growth, reducing poverty, and improving human resource quality. To support the self-sufficiency target, KKP is consolidating six National Priority Programmes. These include the Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih initiative, targeting the development of 5,000 locations by 2029 as economic growth centres for coastal communities, and a thematic inland fish farming programme involving the development of 40,000 farming points across 500 districts and cities to support national protein supply. The ministry is also pursuing a national salt self-sufficiency programme through the construction of up to 2,000 hectares of salt ponds to reduce import dependency. Additionally, a revitalisation programme for 14,000 hectares of fishponds along the Pantura coast of Java aims to support protein self-sufficiency while rehabilitating coastal areas. Other projects include the development of a 2,000-hectare integrated shrimp farming estate in Waingapu as a modern, environmentally friendly cultivation area, and a fishing vessel modernisation programme to enhance productivity, competitiveness, and support measured fishing policies. Trenggono expressed hope that all these programmes would strengthen food security, create jobs, boost regional economic growth, and improve the welfare of fishers and coastal communities. Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan added that implementing these programmes could strengthen the national food supply chain and improve the bargaining position of fishers. He expressed optimism that, if executed consistently, Indonesia could not only meet its domestic protein needs but also emerge as a new global exporter of fishery products. Meanwhile, Chair of the House of Representatives Commission IV, Siti Hediati Soeharto, affirmed the parliament’s commitment to supporting KKP’s priority programmes, particularly those directly impacting the welfare of fishers and coastal communities, through budgeting, legislation, and oversight functions. She specifically highlighted the Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih programme, noting its visible benefits in driving local economies in several regions.