Indonesian Gov't Says Fishermen's Villages Have Created Jobs for 17,550 Workers

17 hours ago 7

January 9, 2026 | 12:55 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Indonesia’s Red and White Fishermen’s Village program has provided employment to 17,550 workers across 65 locations, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries announced.

The workers include construction staff, fishermen, and operational personnel for the program, contributing directly to local economies.

According to Lotharia Latif, Director General of Capture Fisheries, each site has absorbed an average of 270 workers.

“The increase in labor is a presidential mandate outlined in the national development agenda, aimed at creating job opportunities and fostering local economic independence,” Latif said in a written statement on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

Phase I of the program targeted 65 sites nationwide. A second phase will add 35 more locations, with a long-term goal of reaching 1,100 villages. The initiative is part of a national priority to enhance the welfare of coastal communities while expanding job opportunities and developing inclusive local economic models.

Latif emphasized that the program goes beyond building infrastructure such as docks, cold storage, and ice factories.

“More than that, this is a real opportunity for coastal communities to rise economically and socially,” he said, noting that local residents can participate in management and operations, gaining sustainable income and skills.

President Prabowo Subianto highlighted the importance of the initiative for food self-sufficiency, particularly in fisheries and agriculture. He stressed that improving access to protein-rich food is essential for children’s growth, health, and intelligence.

“Our people, our children must consume a lot of protein,” he said during the Harvest Festival and Food Self-Sufficiency Announcement in Karawang, West Java, on January 7.

Prabowo expressed optimism about the program’s long-term impact, pointing to early improvements in the welfare of farmers and fishermen.

With the continued expansion of the Red and White Fishermen’s Villages, the government aims to strengthen coastal economies, promote sustainable fisheries, and create lasting opportunities for local communities across Indonesia.

Read: Indonesia's Bulog Plans to Export Rice, Corn in 2026

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