Govt Synchronizes Regional Programs to Strengthen the National Blue Economy

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries aligned central and local administration programs through the 2026 National Coordination Meeting (Rakornas) on Thursday, July 2, 2026.

The alignment aims to support food security, economic growth, and President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita vision.

Marine Affairs and Fisheries Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono said the marine sector is a vital source of food for the future, with global protein demand expected to rise in line with population growth.

The world’s population is projected to increase from 8.23 billion in 2025 to 9.7 billion in 2050, driving protein demand -- including fish -- up by as much as 67 percent.

“The ocean is a strategic source of protein and life. Development must begin in coastal villages as centers of the blue economy,” Minister Trenggono said in Jakarta on Thursday, July 2, 2026.

According to the minister, the Ministry is implementing five blue economy policies as a sustainable development strategy that balances ecological considerations with economic growth.

These include expanding marine conservation areas, introducing quota-based sustainable fishing, developing sustainable aquaculture, strengthening coastal monitoring, and reducing marine plastic waste.

The government is also rolling out six of the President’s priority programs in the maritime and fisheries sector to boost production, improve fishermen’s welfare, and enhance national food security.

These include the Red and White Fishermen’s Village initiative, thematic inland fish farming, accelerating salt self-sufficiency, and revitalizing fish ponds along the North Coast of Java.

Other programs involve developing an integrated shrimp pond area in Waingapu, East Nusa Tenggara, and modernizing the national fishing fleet.

Meanwhile, House Commission IV Speaker Siti Hediati Soeharto -- known as Titiek Soeharto -- said the House supports strengthening the maritime sector through its legislative, budgetary, and supervisory functions.

Commission IV has approved an indicative budget allocation of IDR 15.6 trillion for the Ministry in 2027, up from IDR 13 trillion in 2026. “This support is crucial so national programs can address regional needs. Their implementation must align with the characteristics of each region,” Titiek said.

She also urged local administrations to ensure the sustainability of all Ministry programs, noting that the Red and White Fishermen’s Village is expected to grow into a hub of economic activity for coastal communities.

Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan also called on ministries to strengthen the transformation of the maritime sector. “Our current priority is the welfare of fishermen,” said Minister Zulkifli. (Gusti Panji)