Govt Targets 2.3 Million-Ton Increase in Fish Production

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian government is targeting an increase in national capture fisheries production of up to 2.3 million tons per year through a fishing vessel modernization program. To achieve the target, the government plans to build 4,582 modern fishing vessels in stages from 2026 to 2029. The program is also expected to increase fishermen’s incomes and strengthen the national marine and fisheries sector.

Head of the Government Communications Agency, Muhammad Qodari, said the modernization of fishing fleets is part of the government’s efforts to improve fishermen’s productivity while increasing state revenue. As an initial step, the government is targeting the construction of 50 vessels with a capacity of 30 Gross Tonnage (GT) in 2026.

“Through this program, the government is targeting an increase in capture fisheries production of up to 2.3 million tons per year, an increase in fishermen’s income of 20.6 trillion rupiah per year, as well as an increase in Non-Tax State Revenue from fisheries natural resources by 1.8 trillion rupiah per year,” Qodari said at a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

The vessels to be built will range in capacity from 10 to 2,500 GT. The fleet will cover various categories, from small fishing boats to large commercial fishing vessels that can be used to catch and transport fish in offshore waters and Indonesia’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

In addition to increasing production and fishermen’s incomes, the modern fishing vessel program is also expected to create up to 89,000 jobs. “Of this total, 55,000 workers will be specifically needed to fill positions on fishing vessels, including captains, officers, chief engineers, and crew members,” he said.

The construction of the modern fishing vessels is estimated to require an investment of around 125.5 trillion rupiah. Through the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), the government will involve domestic shipbuilding and shipyard industries in the construction process.

Qodari said the involvement of domestic shipyards is important to stimulate the domestic economy, create jobs, and promote technology transfer from overseas to Indonesia. The government expects the modernization program to ensure that the country’s marine resources generate greater economic benefits for the Indonesian people.