Prabowo’s 1,500 Fishing Boat Plan to Empower Fishermen Nationwide

Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelagic nation with 6.4 million square kilometers of marine territory, is home to some of the richest marine biodiversity on Earth. The archipelago’s waters hold immense economic potential, from fish stock estimated to exceed 12 million tons per year to vibrant coral reefs that serve as the lungs of the ocean.

This wealth is not merely numerical but a strategic asset positioning Indonesia as a global maritime economic hub, particularly within the Coral Triangle region. Spread across 11 Fisheries Management Areas (WPP), Indonesia’s abundant marine resources represent an inexhaustible source of protein—provided they are managed wisely. Among these riches are high-value commodities such as tuna, skipjack, mackerel, lobsters, and shrimp, all of which see growing demand in global markets.

By optimizing its ocean resources, Indonesia holds a golden opportunity to emerge as a leading fisheries exporter while simultaneously safeguarding national food security for future generations.

To tap into this vast potential, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has officially launched the first phase of constructing 1,582 fishing vessels starting in 2026. According to I Nyoman Radiarta, Head of the Marine and Fisheries Human Resources Development Agency (BPPSDM KP), 1,000 of these vessels—each with a capacity of 30 gross tons (GT)—will be distributed to Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih across Indonesia. The entire fleet will be domestically produced and delivered in stages until 2028.

These 30 GT vessels are far from ordinary. Their capacity allows them to journey as far as Indonesia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and store more catch with advanced cold storage systems. Each vessel is projected to generate hundreds of millions of rupiah in monthly revenue from export-quality fish. The program is expected to elevate traditional fishermen into independent, medium-scale fisheries entrepreneurs with sustainable incomes.

However, state-of-the-art vessels require highly skilled crews. The KKP is now providing world-class training for fishermen and fisheries school graduates. A modern fishing crew must master electronic navigation, efficient fishing techniques, and international maritime safety standards.

They must also maintain the quality of their catch at sea to ensure high market value upon landing, and understand sustainable fishing regulations designed to preserve marine ecosystems.

The ambitious national project has already drawn international attention, including strong support from the United Kingdom. During a bilateral meeting in London on January 20, 2026, President Prabowo Subianto received a commitment from Prime Minister Keir Starmer for British investment in Indonesia’s 1,500-vessel initiative.

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said the megaproject is expected to generate more than 600,000 jobs, including 30,000 crew members and 400,000 workers in the domestic shipbuilding industry.

Indonesia’s advantage lies in balancing productivity with ocean conservation. Through a quota-based sustainable fishing policy, the government ensures that fish harvesting stays within nature’s regenerative limits. Eco-friendly fishing gear and satellite-based vessel monitoring systems will help prevent seabed destruction and the capture of protected species, preserving marine fertility for generations to come.

With advanced technology, rigorous monitoring, and international collaboration, Indonesia demonstrates that a blue economy is far more than rhetoric. This vessel project is tangible proof of the nation’s commitment to preserving its “blue gold” while driving inclusive economic growth for coastal communities. It marks a new chapter in Indonesia’s maritime renaissance—one where fishermen become the true drivers of national prosperity.

IndonesianPost.com | Republika