“Under President Prabowo’s directive, we are tasked with modernizing 1,582 fishing vessels,” Trenggono said at the 100 Economists Forum in Jakarta on Tuesday.
He said the modernization initiative is a key part of the national food self-sufficiency agenda, aimed at improving fishermen’s welfare and ensuring the sustainable use of marine resources.
The minister added that the program is expected to boost fishing productivity, create jobs, raise non-tax state revenue, and contribute to broader economic growth.
“Fishermen using traditional wooden boats will gradually transition to more modern and hygienic vessels, ensuring higher-quality catches that meet global market standards,” he said.
Through the Directorate General of Capture Fisheries, the ministry is converting wooden fishing vessels into steel ones to meet seaworthiness, fishing, and on-board storage standards.
According to ministry data, about 65 percent of Indonesia’s fishing vessels are more than 10 years old, and around 95 percent are made primarily of wood.
While wooden vessels are cheaper to build, their use raises environmental concerns such as deforestation and often fails to meet modern international standards for fishing operations.
Wooden boats typically last 15 to 20 years, depending on maintenance, but their traditional construction methods often result in lower durability and limited cold-storage capacity.
Many older vessels also use modified land engines instead of marine-standard engines, making them more prone to mechanical wear, overheating, and higher emissions.
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Translator: Aji, Aria Ananda
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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