Zulhas Targets Protein Self-Sufficiency by 2026, Builds Fishermen's Villages

Jakarta – The government is preparing the development of fishermen’s villages as part of a strategy to strengthen national protein supply. This programme is expected to be one of the key steps towards achieving protein self-sufficiency by 2026.

The plan was announced by Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan during a working visit to Sampang Regency, Madura, on Sunday, 8 March 2026. He stated that the fishermen’s villages will be developed across several areas in Madura.

“We will build fishermen’s villages in Madura, everything is possible,” said Zulkifli Hasan.

“This year we will work hard to ensure fish supplies are sufficient,” he added.

Within these areas, the government plans to establish supporting facilities such as ice factories and cold storage. These facilities are expected to extend the shelf life of fish caught by fishermen.

With storage facilities in place, fish caught by fishermen can be preserved for longer periods. The government targets fish to remain fresh for up to six months without deterioration.

According to Zulhas, this situation is expected to improve fishermen’s bargaining position in the market.

“Fish from fishermen will not be sold cheaply. Fish can be stored while waiting for prices to stabilise,” he said.

“We are targeting excess fish stock. Fishermen will have strong bargaining power,” he added.

Zulhas stated that excess fish stock can also be utilised to support the government’s Free Nutritious Meals programme currently being implemented.

“Hopefully this year we will have excess fish once the fishermen’s villages become operational,” he said.

He further noted that the government has placed protein self-sufficiency as one of its priorities following the food self-sufficiency target.

“If rice is abundant, if fish is abundant, it means we eat without depending on imports anymore. Indonesia will be more independent,” said Zulhas.

Nevertheless, he acknowledged that several food commodities still need to be imported. One example is wheat, which currently cannot be produced domestically.