Indonesia Develops Electric Boat Engines for Fishermen Independence

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology continues to promote fishermen’s independence through the implementation and development of electric motor research for fishing boat engines. Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto, made the statement during a meeting with Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) Sakti Wahyu Trenggono in Jakarta, on Thursday, 19 February 2026.

“We already have several basic research projects underway. We will also conduct trials in a fishing village in Cirebon so we can identify obstacles and refine the technology,” Brian said.

The minister emphasized that using electric motors for fishing boats would provide economic benefits and improve fuel efficiency for fishing communities.

“The hope is that once the implementation works well, it can be used in fishing villages and eliminate fuel subsidies for fishermen,” he conveyed.

Trenggono welcomed the plan, noting that similar research on electric motors for fishing boats had previously been conducted but was not sustained. This time, the research is designed to continue and deliver tangible benefits to fishing communities across Indonesia.

“We will conduct another trial through collaboration with the Red and White Fishing Village program so fishing boat engines can become more efficient,” Trenggono said.

The initiative is also in line with a directive from President Prabowo Subianto, who has instructed both ministries to prepare human resources for the development of the Red and White Fishing Village program.