Prabowo asserts that Indonesia's seas must be managed by national fishermen

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto has emphasised his commitment to ensuring that national fishery resources are fully utilised by Indonesia, not foreign vessels.

This was stated by President Prabowo during his inspection of the Red and White Fishermen’s Village in South Leato, Gorontalo, North Sulawesi, on Saturday. The government has prepared a programme for building fishing vessels and strengthening the national maritime economy.

“We want it to be our people who catch the fish in our seas, not foreign vessels,” said Prabowo, as monitored via the live broadcast of the Presidential Secretariat from Jakarta on Saturday.

President Prabowo conveyed that the government will begin constructing 1,582 fishing vessels this year. These vessels will later be distributed to fishermen’s groups through a cooperative system.

He emphasised that this step is being taken so that Indonesia’s marine wealth is no longer exploited by foreign parties.

Furthermore, the government under his leadership will develop the fisheries and maritime sector on a large scale through the blue ocean economy concept.

According to him, Indonesia’s marine potential is a great gift that must be managed optimally for the welfare of the people.

In addition to vessel construction, the government is also targeting massive development of fishermen’s villages. This year, the government plans to inaugurate 1,386 Red and White Fishermen’s Villages across Indonesia.

President Prabowo noted that Indonesia has around 12,000 fishermen’s villages, making this programme a major task that requires boldness and policy consistency. The main goal of this programme is to improve the welfare of national fishermen.

“We are on the right path; our people must prosper. I want our fishermen to prosper, I want them to smile every day because their income is good,” added President Prabowo.