President Prabowo Pledges Action Against Illegal Fishing, Support for Local Fishermen

Jakarta - President Prabowo Subianto has stated that tens of thousands of foreign fishing vessels are operating in Indonesian waters every night and pledged to increase support for local fishermen. He announced that starting next year, thousands of fishing vessels will be built for local fishermen. "Tens of thousands of foreign vessels are in Indonesian waters every night. Tens of thousands of our marine wealth are taken without any measures. Now we are working. Starting next year, we will build thousands of fishing vessels for our fishermen," Prabowo said at the 100th Anniversary Thanksgiving Reception of Pondok Modern Darussalam Gontor in Ponorogo, East Java, on Saturday (19/9/2026). He emphasized that fishing communities are a priority for government assistance, promising to pay attention to Indonesian fishermen after 81 years of independence. "Fishermen who need help have never been helped. For 81 years of Indonesia's independence, we will now take care of Indonesian fishermen. Our homeland, where the sea is three-quarters of our country," he explained. Previously, Prabowo received reports from the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, and the Minister of Investment and Downstreaming, Rosan Roeslani, on September 1, 2026, at Hambalang, Bogor Regency. The meeting discussed the progress of the first phase of building 100 Fisherman Villages and the distribution of vessel aid to fishermen. Cabinet Secretary (Seskab) Teddy Indra Wijaya stated that both ministers met with Prabowo to report on the progress of several government programs targeting coastal communities. "Both met with the President to report on the development of the first 100 Fisherman Villages and the distribution of vessel aid to fishermen," Teddy was quoted as saying from a press release on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. According to Teddy, the development of Fisherman Villages is one of the government's concerns in efforts to improve the welfare of coastal communities. This program is expected to support fishermen's activities while creating a more livable and productive residential environment. In addition to the development of Fisherman Villages, Prabowo also received reports on the distribution of vessel aid. This aid is part of the government's effort to enhance supporting facilities for fishermen so that their marine activities can run more optimally. "The distribution of vessel aid is part of the effort to strengthen fishermen's capacity in carrying out marine activities. This support is expected to help increase the productivity and welfare of fishermen in various regions," Teddy explained. Strengthening Synergy The government also continues to encourage cross-ministerial coordination in implementing programs for coastal communities. This synergy is expected to ensure that the development of Fisherman Villages and the provision of supporting facilities for fishermen run more cohesively. "The government continues to strengthen cross-ministerial synergy so that the development of Fisherman Villages and various supports for fishermen can run in an integrated manner and provide direct benefits to coastal communities," said Teddy. Information Source: Liputan6