China and Indonesia launched a joint capture fisheries cooperation program on Sept. 25 in Tual, a coastal city in Indonesia’s Maluku Province, aiming to align bilateral maritime strategies and boost local infrastructure. The initiative links Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative with Jakarta’s maritime development goals, targeting supply chain improvements and job creation in a region heavily dependent on marine resources.
Launch Event and Strategic Alignment
More than 100 representatives from government agencies, commercial enterprises, and local fisheries associations gathered for the launch ceremony at a primary fishing harbor near the junction of the Banda and Arafura seas. Following the ceremony, modern Chinese fishing vessels sounded their horns and departed for the open sea.
Li Hongwei, minister counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Indonesia, stated at the event that the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road aligns closely with Indonesia’s Global Maritime Fulcrum strategy. According to Li, both nations are advancing the alignment of industrial plans and projects to construct a maritime community with a shared future. China intends to use the launch to strengthen technical cooperation, resource conservation, and supply chain coordination with Indonesia.
Blue Economy and Regional Impact
Indonesian Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono noted that the ministry’s five blue economy initiatives match China’s vision for sustainable global fisheries. Indonesia seeks deeper cooperation with China across capture fisheries, aquaculture, and marine conservation.
Because more than 90 percent of Maluku Province is covered by water, local communities rely heavily on marine resources. Project documentation indicates the newly launched program will upgrade the value chain for fish landing, cold-chain storage, processing, and exports.
Project Scope and Economic Projections
- Job Creation: Expected to generate approximately 1,100 jobs both at sea and on land.
- Infrastructure Support: Aims to spur supporting investments in ship repair, cold storage facilities, quality testing, and skills training programs.
- Geographic Focus: Centered in Tual, Maluku Province, utilizing harbors positioned near the Banda and Arafura seas.
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