Jakarta, January 13, 2026 – Indonesia is betting big on its coastal communities, aiming to complete construction of 35 “Red and White Fishermen Villages” by the end of January 2026, a move designed to bolster both food security and the livelihoods of those who depend on the sea. It’s a substantial investment-but will it pay off?
Boosting Coastal Economies and National Food Supply
The initiative aims to modernize fishing infrastructure and integrate coastal communities into the national economy.
- The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) reports over 80 percent completion of the 35 villages.
- Villages will feature docks, cold storage, fuel stations, and ice plants.
- Facilities in Bulukumba, South Sulawesi, are already supporting fish exports to Saudi Arabia.
- The programme focuses on establishing a robust supply chain from catch to consumer.
- Local cooperatives will manage and operate the facilities, ensuring community ownership.
The program isn’t just about building infrastructure; it’s about building a supply chain. Trian Yunanda, head of the KNMP progress coordination team, emphasized the program’s focus on full infrastructure support for fishermen. Already, in Bulukumba, South Sulawesi, the new facilities are proving their worth. refrigerated trucks are actively supporting fish exports to Saudi Arabia, and cold storage is operational.
A: The KKP plans to optimize the cold storage facilities as protein logistics hubs, directly supplying fish protein to the president’s Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, ensuring wider access to essential nutrients.
Beyond the MBG program, the initiative aims to stimulate local economies by connecting fishermen’s catches to tourism and the culinary industry. A key component is an “offtaker system,” designed to provide price certainty for fishermen by guaranteeing a buyer for their catch. This reduces risk and encourages enduring fishing practices.
Empowering Communities Thru Cooperatives
The KKP isn’t simply handing over the keys to these new facilities. They’re focused on long-term sustainability by integrating coastal communities into “Red and White Village Cooperatives.” These cooperatives will be responsible for managing and operating the facilities, ensuring local ownership and benefit.This approach aims to foster a sense of obligation and encourage community-driven development.
The Red and White Fishermen Villages represent a strategic government effort to empower coastal communities and drive economic growth. Each village will also include roads, drainage systems, and electricity, creating a comprehensive upgrade to coastal infrastructure. While some locations affected by disasters may see completion extend into February, the vast majority are on track for completion by the end of January 2026.
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