Indonesia’s Fishing Village Program Drives Blue Economy Growth
Indonesia is advancing a nationwide initiative to develop modern fishing settlements as a cornerstone of its strategy to boost the blue economy, with a target to complete development at 100 locations nationwide by May 2026.
The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries has positioned the fishing village program to enhance marine productivity and coastal livelihoods, aligning with President Prabowo Subianto’s maritime development agenda.
Program Scope and National Targets
The initiative aims to build thousands of “modern” fishing settlements across Indonesia, forming a key plank of the government’s maritime development strategy. Deputy Minister Didit Herdiawan Ashaf inspected a fishing village development site in Dringu, Probolinggo District, East Java, on Friday, April 24, 2026.
The program has set a target to complete development at 100 locations nationwide by May 2026, as announced by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries.
Indigenous Opposition in Papua
In Indonesian Papua, Indigenous Wiyagar leaders have opposed a planned state-backed fishing village in Sumuraman, Mappi district, stating it is being pushed without proper consultation on their customary land. The project, known as the Red and White Fishers’ Village (KNMP), is part of the nationwide initiative to develop hundreds of modern fishing settlements.
Indigenous leaders emphasize that the Wiyagar tribe does not work as fishers in the Sumuraman area, questioning the suitability of the project for their community. The opposition highlights broader tensions in Indonesian Papua over Indigenous land rights, with concerns that fast-tracked national projects could deepen land conflicts and environmental impacts.
National Blue Economy Progress
Indonesia has made significant progress in advancing sustainable ocean development, supported by the implementation of a national ocean policy and comprehensive blue economy plans. The country has launched a national blue economy roadmap in 2023 and a suite of implementation strategies, including the issuance of sovereign blue bonds in 2023 and 2024, pilot projects on ocean accounting and blue carbon, initiatives to address marine debris, and improvements in fisheries and coastal management.
Indonesia’s blue economy is progressing across financial, social, and natural capital dimensions, supported by integrated policy frameworks, innovative financial instruments, and the establishment of a national blue economy index. These efforts not only support conservation efforts such as marine protected areas and ecosystem restoration but as well empower small-scale blue economy projects.
Government Response and Program Objectives
The government maintains that the fishing village program is designed to boost marine productivity and coastal livelihoods, contributing to the national blue economy agenda. Officials state that the initiative seeks to create sustainable fishing communities that enhance economic opportunities while adhering to environmental stewardship principles.
As of April 2026, the program continues to move forward with development sites being inspected and prepared across various regions, reflecting the administration’s commitment to achieving its maritime development goals.