Lawmaker Warns of IDR 3,000 Trillion Blue Economy Losses Amid Illegal Fishing

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - House Commission IV lawmaker Riyono Caping voiced concern over declining state revenue caused by rampant illegal fishing.

He urged the government, through the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, to strengthen monitoring and protection of fish resources to prevent exploitation by foreign vessels.

Riyono’s remarks came in response to President Prabowo Subianto’s speech during a House plenary session, in which the president warned that thousands of foreign vessels are stealing Indonesia’s fish resources.

“Our blue economy potential is valued at more than IDR 3,000 trillion (around USD 16.93 billion), at least equivalent to the annual State Budget. Losses from illegal fishing could reach IDR 300 trillion,” Riyono said in a press statement in Jakarta on Monday, May 25, 2026.

He calculated that consistent protection of Indonesia’s marine resources over five years could preserve up to IDR 1.5 quadrillion in state funds, which could then be used to strengthen the maritime sector.

Riyono highlighted that surveillance of Indonesia’s maritime zones is being optimized through Community Monitoring Groups (Pokwasmas), which apply local wisdom for preventive monitoring within a range of 0–4 miles.

“Surveillance against illegal fishing must be technology-based, starting with reliable patrol vessels, trained personnel, real-time monitoring maps, satellite-based violation reports, and rapid enforcement using big data,” he said.

Earlier, President Prabowo emphasized that the government will make major investments in Indonesia’s marine economy to strengthen the fisheries sector and improve the welfare of coastal communities.

“The world urgently needs protein-rich fish. Therefore, under my leadership, the government will massively develop fisheries and the maritime sector,” President Prabowo said during a visit to the Merah Putih Leato Selatan Fishermen’s Village in Gorontalo City on Saturday, May 9.

President Prabowo noted that Indonesia possesses vast marine resources that must be harnessed for national welfare. “We must be grateful, and we must now invest on a massive scale,” he said.

He explained that developing the blue economy begins with empowering Indonesian fishermen. The government will expand access to adequate fisheries facilities and infrastructure.

President Prabowo aims to have 1,386 Red and White Fishermen’s Villages (KNMP) operational by the end of this year. “Next year, we will build another 1,000 KNMPs, and continue with 1,000 villages each year,” said President Prabowo. (Gusti Panji)