Indonesia sets out free vessel programme for traditional fishers
The fleet replacement covers 4,582 boats, with investment estimated at Rp234.55 trillion and completion targeted for 2029.
Traditional fishers in Indonesia are to receive 4,582 modern vessels without charge under a government fleet replacement programme, officials said. The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries initiative involves estimated investment of Rp234.55 trillion (US$13.04 billion), with distribution targeted for completion by 2029.
Construction will involve both overseas and domestic partnerships. A bilateral arrangement with the United Kingdom provides for 1,582 boats of 30 to 500 gross tonnage, costing an estimated Rp40.43 trillion (US$2.25 billion). State-owned PT Agrinas Jaladri Nusantara will produce the other 3,000 vessels, including industrial-scale craft, with spending of Rp194.12 trillion (US$10.79 billion).
Mochamad Idnillah, director of fishing vessels and equipment, said recipients would not have to pay for any boats supplied through the initiative, irrespective of how they were financed. The programme is intended to retire older wooden boats, strengthen fishers’ purchasing power and limit post-harvest losses.
About 91 per cent of the country's fishing fleet consists of wooden vessels without adequate insulation or refrigeration. Their replacements will use steel or aluminium hulls and carry cold storage systems. Antara reported that the preservation technology would help protect catch quality and support higher market prices.
The ministry is preparing a presidential instruction to give the programme National Strategic Project status, intended to simplify procurement and construction. The completion target falls in the final year of President Prabowo Subianto's five-year term.
