RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries is targeting the completion of fishing vessel procurement in the near future. The program, carried out through Indonesia–United Kingdom bilateral cooperation, is intended to provide vessels for fishermen.

Marine Affairs and Fisheries Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono said the implementation stages will soon be finalized, including administrative processes, planning, and analysis of Indonesian shipyards. “We expect it could be done as soon as possible, hopefully within two years,” he said at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

Minister Trenggono acknowledged that the procurement process remains lengthy. “Regarding financing, for example, it is still in progress through the Ministry of National Development Planning/National Development Planning Agency (PPN/Bappenas) and will then proceed to the Ministry of Finance,” he said.

The ministry is also analyzing the readiness of the shipbuilding industry to support the project. “Several have already committed,” Trenggono said.

President Prabowo Subianto previously stated that the British government is interested in building 1,500 vessels as part of a bilateral maritime cooperation agreement. He said the government will make significant investments through this cooperation.

The President added that Indonesia is seeking maritime cooperation to improve fishing villages, raise fishermen’s welfare, and increase public seafood consumption. He described the United Kingdom as a key strategic partner that offers significant benefits to Indonesia. “They have the technology and the funds, and are very interested in investing in Indonesia,” he said. (Gusti Panji/Lasti Martina)