Standing on the coast of Leato Selatan in Gorontalo City, President Prabowo Subianto spoke not as a head of state delivering a formal address, but as a leader acknowledging a debt. During a visit to the Red and White Fishing Village (Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih), Prabowo addressed the visceral dangers of the maritime profession, noting that for millions of Indonesians, the ocean is both a lifeline and a constant threat.
The President’s visit to the Gorontalo region underscores a pivotal shift in his administration’s early approach to national food security. By focusing on the “forgotten” sectors of the grassroots economy, Prabowo is attempting to bridge the gap between high-level economic policy and the daily struggle of small-scale fishers who operate on the fringes of the formal economy.
“I understand that fishermen face great risks. The sea is no joke,” Prabowo said, according to a statement from the Presidential Secretariat. “Weather can change, currents can change. You risk your lives to earn a living for your families, your communities and your nation.”
This commitment arrives at a critical juncture for Indonesia. As the world’s second-largest producer of seafood, the nation’s economic stability is inextricably linked to the health of its maritime industry. However, the disparity between the wealth generated by Indonesia’s vast waters and the poverty levels of its coastal communities has remained a persistent challenge for successive administrations.
Addressing the ‘Forgotten’ Workforce
For decades, Indonesian maritime policy has often fluctuated between industrial-scale exploitation and conservation efforts, frequently leaving artisanal and small-scale fishermen in a state of regulatory limbo. Prabowo’s rhetoric in Gorontalo suggests a move toward a more inclusive “Blue Economy” that prioritizes the welfare of the individual worker over mere export quotas.
The President acknowledged that fishermen have historically received insufficient attention from the central government in Jakarta. By explicitly stating that his administration is determined to provide the “recognition they deserve,” he is signaling a policy pivot toward social safety nets and infrastructure investments specifically tailored for coastal villages.
Key areas of concern that the administration is expected to address include:
- Fuel Accessibility: Reducing the cost and logistical burden of obtaining subsidized diesel for small vessels.
- Cold Chain Infrastructure: Investing in localized cold storage to prevent post-harvest loss and allow fishermen to command better market prices.
- Climate Resilience: Providing better early-warning systems and weather forecasting to mitigate the “changing currents” the President referenced.
The Strategic Role of the Red and White Fishing Village
The inspection of the Red and White Fishing Village (KNMP) is more than a symbolic gesture. These villages are designed to serve as integrated hubs where housing, sanitation, and economic activity are streamlined to lift coastal residents out of poverty. The KNMP model aims to transform traditional fishing settlements into organized economic zones that can sustain growth without destroying the local ecosystem.
By visiting Leato Selatan, Prabowo is highlighting the importance of regional equity. Gorontalo, located on the northern coast of Sulawesi, is a strategic point for the distribution of marine resources. Ensuring that the local population manages these resources—rather than relying solely on outside corporate interests—is a recurring theme in the President’s current agenda.
This approach aligns with previous assertions from the President that Indonesian seas must be managed by local fishermen, reducing the reliance on foreign fleets and curbing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing that has long plagued the archipelago.
Connecting the Coast to the Countryside
Prabowo’s remarks in Gorontalo extended beyond the maritime sector, linking the plight of the fisherman to that of the farmer. This suggests a broader administrative philosophy of “grassroots presence,” where the government actively seeks out the most vulnerable producers of the nation’s food supply.
The President reaffirmed that the current government would be “more present” for all grassroots communities. This indicates a strategy of decentralized support, moving away from top-down mandates toward a model of direct engagement and localized assistance.
| Focus Area | Traditional Approach | Prabowo’s Stated Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Economic Goal | Export Volume & GDP Growth | Fishermen’s Welfare & Recognition |
| Management | Centralized Regulatory Control | Local Management of Seas |
| Presence | Bureaucratic/Administrative | Direct Grassroots Engagement |
| Scope | Sector-Specific (Fishing only) | Integrated (Fishermen & Farmers) |
The Path Toward Implementation
While the President’s words provide a clear vision of respect and recognition, the success of this initiative will depend on the execution by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. The transition from “recognition” to “welfare” requires tangible budgetary allocations for the KNMP projects and a streamlined process for fishermen to access government credit and insurance.
The administration is now tasked with scaling the Red and White Fishing Village model across other provinces to ensure that the benefits seen in Gorontalo are not isolated incidents, but part of a national standard for coastal living.
The next critical milestone for this policy will be the upcoming budget reviews and the rollout of new maritime welfare programs scheduled for the next fiscal quarter, which will determine the actual funding allocated to these grassroots initiatives.
Do you believe increased government presence in coastal villages will effectively raise the standard of living for small-scale fishermen? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
