Indonesia is embarking on a significant expansion of its fishing fleet, planning to construct 1,582 new vessels starting in 2026 to bolster national fisheries productivity and modernize coastal communities. This initiative, known as the Red and White Fishing Villages program, aims to enhance Indonesia’s capacity for lasting fisheries management and economic growth.
Program Overview and Vessel Specifications
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The program will roll out in phases through 2027 and 2028. A total of 1,000 vessels will have a capacity of 30 gross tons each and will be allocated to fishing villages undergoing modernization. The remaining vessels will vary in size and capacity to meet diverse fishing needs across the archipelago. All vessels will be built domestically, fostering local shipbuilding industries and creating employment opportunities. Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI) reported on this phased implementation.
International Collaboration and Investment
The initiative has garnered international support, notably from the united kingdom. During a state visit to London in January 2026, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto secured a commitment from the U.K. to support the vessel construction plan through a maritime cooperation framework. “The U.K. will support our plan to build fishing vessels because we want to make a large investment in this,” Subianto stated following discussions with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Antara News detailed these discussions.
Babcock International Group, a U.K.-based shipbuilding company, is expected to participate in the project as part of this bilateral partnership. Subianto met with Babcock International Group CEO David Lockwood in London to discuss potential collaboration.
The Indonesian government anticipates that this program will generate approximately 600,000 jobs nationwide. This includes around 30,000 crew positions and an estimated 400,000 roles in vessel production and assembly,according to Indonesia Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya. The program also includes provisions for training fishing crews from fisheries schools and coastal communities within the modernized villages.
Key Takeaways
- indonesia will build 1,582 new fishing vessels between 2026 and 2028.
- 1,000 vessels will be 30 gross tons, supporting the Red and White Fishing Villages initiative.
- The U.K. is providing support through a maritime cooperation framework, with Babcock International Group expected to participate.
- The project is projected to create 600,000 jobs across Indonesia.
This ambitious program represents a significant investment in Indonesia’s fisheries sector, aiming to enhance food security, stimulate economic growth in coastal regions, and strengthen international maritime partnerships. Continued monitoring and evaluation will be crucial to ensure the program’s long-term sustainability and success.
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