Indonesia will build 1,582 fishing vessels through 2028 to modernize its aging fleet, boost catches, and strengthen coastal economies under a nationwide maritime development program, a senior minister said Tuesday in Jakarta.
Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono said around 1,000 of the vessels will be 30-gross-ton ships prioritized for operations in the Red and White Fishing Villages program.
The initiative aims to replace aging fishing vessels, improve productivity, and strengthen Indonesia’s domestic shipbuilding industry through full local production, the ministry said in a statement.
Director General of Capture Fisheries Lotharia Latif said the program will begin with the construction of 50 vessels in 2026, while the government prepares supply chains for materials, equipment, vessel designs, and shipyard readiness nationwide.
"We must ensure shipbuilding fully meets technical requirements and is carried out professionally under certified construction standards,” Latif said.
The modernization drive is part of a maritime investment partnership between Indonesia and the United Kingdom worth £4 billion, or about Rp91.6 trillion.
The government expects the new vessels to expand fishing ranges, increase catches, and improve incomes for coastal communities across the archipelago.
Indonesia is also accelerating development of Red and White Fishing Villages, a strategic coastal village program designed to strengthen fisheries-based local economies.
Of the initial target of around 100 villages, 65 have been completed, the ministry said.
The villages are being equipped with basic infrastructure including ports, roads, drainage, and electricity, as well as cold storage facilities, ice plants, workshops, logistics kiosks, and fuel stations for fishermen.
Related news: Indonesian seas must be managed by local fishermen: Prabowo
Related news: Government provides over 1,500 fishing vessels to assist fishermen
Translator: Shofi Ayudiana, Martha Herlinawati Simanjuntak
Editor: Primayanti
Copyright © ANTARA 2026
