The government has announced a Rp72 trillion megaproject to strengthen Indonesia’s fisheries sector.
The program includes the development of 1,100 Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih (Red-and-White Fishermen Villages), the revitalization of aquaculture ponds along the northern coastal area of Java (Pantura), and the modernization of 1,000 fishing vessels.
The economic package is expected to create 568,000 jobs, enhance the competitiveness of the fisheries industry, and reduce welfare disparities among fishing communities nationwide.
Responding to the plan, Professor of Fisheries Socioeconomics at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Suadi, noted that the megaproject is highly ambitious and could significantly transform Indonesia’s fisheries sector if implemented effectively.
“If executed well, this project could be a structural leap, transforming traditional fisheries into a modern fisheries industry,” said Professor Suadi on Monday (Sep. 29).
He underlined major challenges that need to be addressed in the project’s implementation.
For instance, the revitalization of aquaculture ponds in the Pantura region must tackle fundamental issues such as coastal ecosystem degradation, tidal flooding, and land ownership disputes.
Likewise, the development of Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih must go beyond physical construction to ensure the availability of essential infrastructure. These objects include clean water, electricity, sanitation, road access, and cold storage.
“Such infrastructure is critical for strengthening the cold chain system, which has long been a weak point in the fisheries business,” he explained.
Professor Suadi also cautioned that ownership issues surrounding ponds and vessels often exacerbate inequality.
Without collective ownership models such as cooperatives or village-owned enterprises (BUMDes), the project risks primarily benefiting large capital owners.
He cited the example of the 1,000-vessel program during President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s era, many of which were left idle due to high operational costs.
Beyond governance, he emphasized the importance of involving coastal communities. Strengthening fisheries cooperatives, he argued, would allow small-scale fishers to collectively access vessels, ponds, and business financing.
“A uniform, top-down project design risks being misaligned with local needs, as every fishing village has unique social, cultural, and geographical characteristics,” said Professor Suadi.
Another challenge lies in ensuring market access and logistics. Increased production without guaranteed markets, the expert warned, could become a burden for fishers.
“Market access and logistics must be an integral part of the program,” he added.
Regarding the Rp72 trillion budget, Professor Suadi stressed the importance of transparent oversight and public participation.
He proposed the creation of a dedicated platform, such as Kawal Perikanan (Fisheries Watch), to enable the public to monitor project sites, beneficiaries, and the progress of implementation.
“Oversight must be collaborative, not merely reactive. Public involvement, along with academics and local leaders, will ensure that this program does not become a ‘black box’ prone to misuse,” he said.
He further called for multi-layered audits from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), the Audit Board of Indonesia (BPK), and the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), along with firm law enforcement to prevent corruption.
If carried out with sound governance, Professor Suadi believes the Rp72 trillion megaproject could not only expand job opportunities but also strengthen coastal economic resilience.
“This massive investment must target the welfare of small-scale fishers, fisherwomen, and household-scale aquaculture farmers, not just large corporations,” he concluded.
Author: Kezia Dwina Nathania
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photograph: Kompas