Indonesian Minister Marks Independence Day with Fishermen, Pledges Welfare Improvements

Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono marked Indonesia's 81st Independence Day by attending a ceremony with fishermen and coastal communities in Sorue Jaya Village, Konawe Regency, Southeast Sulawesi. The event, themed "Indonesia Sovereign, Just and Prosperous," included a prayer for those affected by a recent magnitude 7.7 earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara.

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After 81 years of merdeka, there are still fishermen who have not fully enjoyed the results of development and welfare improvements. This is a homework that we must complete.

Trenggono acknowledged that despite 81 years of independence, many fishermen have not fully benefited from development and welfare improvements, identifying this as a key challenge. He emphasized that enhancing fishermen's welfare must parallel the strengthening of the fisheries sector, which serves as a national protein source and a livelihood for many. A primary focus for the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) is establishing integrated fisheries facilities in coastal areas through the "Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih" (KNMP) program.

The KNMP initiative aims to boost productivity, add value, improve market access, and elevate fishermen's status. Trenggono explained that just as farmers need irrigation, fishermen require adequate docks, fish landing sites, cold storage facilities, and ice plants. The presence of such facilities at KNMP Sorue Jaya has already shown positive results, with 8 tons of fish exported from the location, demonstrating that integrated support can increase the value of fishery products and improve fishermen's livelihoods, especially since 90 percent of Sorue Jaya residents depend on fishing.

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If farmers need irrigation to increase productivity, then fishermen need proper docks, fish landing sites, cold storage facilities, portable ice plants, and other basic production facilities.

The KKP has set an ambitious target to build 5,000 integrated fishing villages across Indonesia by the end of 2029, having already constructed 100 in 2025 and planning for 1,269 more in 2026. Alongside KNMP, other priority programs include village-based fish cultivation, revitalization of coastal fish farming in Java, integrated shrimp cultivation development, modernization of fishing vessels, and the establishment of national salt industry centers to support salt self-sufficiency. The Independence Day commemoration also included the distribution of 4,000 aid packages of fishery products and basic necessities to residents in Soropia District.

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We want fishing villages to become new economic growth centers and provide real benefits to coastal communities.