Visiting Kebumen-Purworejo, Minister Trenggono Aims to Build 1,000 Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih

Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono conducted a working visit to the Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih (KNMP) in Kebumen and Purworejo regencies, Central Java, on Thursday 5 March. The inspection is part of a series of evaluations of coastal infrastructure development across Indonesia and aims to ensure that facilities for fishermen are ready for use and operate according to plan. Trenggono said the government targets the construction of 1,000 KNMP points nationwide in 2026, significantly higher than 2025’s 100 points. Of the 100 points built in 2025, one is located at Kebumen; about 35 are still under construction. In 2026 the government will scale up construction to build 1,000 KNMP points simultaneously. Development will be focused mainly in Indonesia’s eastern regions with substantial marine potential but still needing infrastructure and facilities to increase fishermen’s productivity. The KNMP, an initiative launched by President Prabowo Subianto, is aimed at ensuring that growth starts from the grassroots – village communities and fishermen – so that productivity translates into stronger economic growth. He stressed the need to refine supporting facilities, including an ice-distribution facility for freezing fish and fish landing points at the Fish Auction Place (TPI) to facilitate fishermen’s activities. The construction is progressing well, though some elements require improvement to further assist fishermen. The arrival of modern facilities such as an ice plant, culinary kiosks, and an administration office was warmly welcomed by fishermen. Sodikin, a local fisherman, said the village now looked much tidier than before and offered some suggestions for future refinements, including parking for fishermen’s motorcycles, a workshop for boat machinery, and clear entry and exit routes for boats.