TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto stated his reluctance to allow foreign vessels to take fish from Indonesian waters. According to Prabowo, the fish in Indonesia's seas should be utilized by the Indonesian people.
The head of state expressed this during his visit to the Red and White Fishermen's Village in the South Leato Village, Gorontalo City, on Saturday, May 9, 2026. "We don't want foreign ships to take fish from our seas; we want our people to do it," Prabowo was quoted as saying in a press release from the Presidential Secretariat.
Prabowo mentioned that the government is preparing to build thousands of fishing vessels, which will be managed through fishermen's cooperatives. He stated that these vessels will come in small, medium, and large sizes.
"Starting this year, we will build 1,582 fishing vessels. We will provide assistance and distribute these vessels. The fishermen and their families will then form cooperatives. We will decide whether 30 fishermen will form one cooperative or 30 and then we will provide the vessels," said the former Minister of Defense during Joko Widodo's administration.
During the same event, Prabowo also addressed the risks faced by fishermen. He emphasized that the government will pay greater attention to fishermen throughout Indonesia. Prabowo acknowledged the significant risks involved in the fishermen's work, which is filled with challenges and natural uncertainties.
"I understand that fishermen face significant risks. Working at sea is no easy task. Weather and currents can change. You are risking your lives to provide for your families, your communities, and your nation. I thank you," said Prabowo.
He also expressed his determination to improve the welfare of fishermen while giving them the proper respect they deserve. According to the President, fishermen have often been overlooked in terms of attention and support.
Furthermore, during his visit to KNMP in the South Leato Village, Prabowo mentioned that Indonesia's marine potential is a great gift that should be managed to improve the welfare of coastal communities and strengthen national economic sovereignty.
"Therefore, the government that I lead will heavily develop fisheries and marine resources. Our current concept is the blue economy, the blue ocean economy. This blue ocean economy is very important; it is a gift from the Almighty and we should be grateful. We should now make massive investments," said Prabowo.
Read: Facts About Prabowo's Visit to Miangas and Gorontalo
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Indonesian FM: ASEAN Summit Highlights Food, Energy Security
41 menit lalu
Leaders of ASEAN shared the understanding that the region must become more resilient in facing growing global uncertainty.
Facts About Prabowo's Visit to Miangas and Gorontalo
8 jam lalu
Here are the facts of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's visit to Miangas and Gorontalo.
Prabowo: Indonesia Soon Self-Sufficient in Fuel, No Imports
9 jam lalu
President Prabowo Subianto claims Indonesia will no longer need to import fuel following the realization of fuel self-sufficiency.
Prabowo Claims ASEAN Respects Indonesia for Food Self-Sufficiency
10 jam lalu
President Prabowo claims that Indonesia is increasingly respected in the Southeast Asian Nations Association (ASEAN) due to food self-sufficiency.
Miangas Residents Get Starlink Upgrade During Prabowo's Visit
20 jam lalu
The Indonesian government is upgrading digital access on Miangas Island by deploying Starlink internet, mobile phones and signal boosters.
Prabowo Eyes Fisherfolk Village in Indonesia's Northernmost Island
1 hari lalu
Prabowo is visiting Miangas after his trip to Cebu, Philippines, for the 48th ASEAN Summit.
Prabowo Visits Miangas Island Following ASEAN Summit
1 hari lalu
President Prabowo Subianto visited Miangas Island on the Indonesia-Philippines border after attending the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu.
Prabowo at ASEAN Summit: Brings Maung, Focuses on Food Security
1 hari lalu
President Prabowo Subianto attended the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, Philippines. What were the key issues he addressed?
Indonesia Deploys F-16 Jets and Navy Ships to Secure ASEAN Summit
1 hari lalu
President Prabowo also attended the 2026 ASEAN Summit, which was themed "Navigating Our Future Together."
Long Road to Three Million Homes
1 hari lalu
President Prabowo Subianto's three million homes program is moving slowly. Internal problems at the Housing Ministry are worsening the situation.
