*) By: Pandu Pratama
Indonesia is known as a maritime nation with a very long coastline and abundant marine resources. However, despite this enormous potential, the lives of some coastal communities still face various challenges, ranging from poverty, limited infrastructure, to climate change that impacts fish catches. Fishing villages are the visible face of coastal communities, supporting the nation’s seafood needs. In many areas, fishing villages are not only the homes of fishermen but also centers of economic activity directly related to the sea. Therefore, the development of fishing villages is no longer sufficient to focus solely on short-term assistance but needs to be directed as a vital part of Indonesia’s blue economy strategy.
President Prabowo Subianto emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening the maritime and fisheries sector as a new driver of national economic growth through the Blue Ocean Economy concept. One of the main steps is accelerating the development of fishing villages in various regions of Indonesia. President Prabowo emphasized the importance of improving the welfare of fishermen, who are considered to play a strategic role in providing protein sources for the Indonesian people and global needs.
The blue economy concept essentially emphasizes the sustainable use of marine resources to improve community welfare without damaging the ecosystem. In this approach, the sea is not viewed solely as a source of economic exploitation, but also as a living space that must be maintained in balance. Fishing villages hold a strategic position within this concept because coastal communities are closest to marine resources. When fishermen are provided with access to technology, education, business facilities, and sound environmental management, economic benefits can go hand in hand with the preservation of marine ecosystems. This is a new direction for coastal development that is now widely discussed in Indonesia.
The Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, explained that for years, many fishing villages have been synonymous with slums, poor sanitation, and limited access to clean water and electricity. These conditions often hinder the productivity of coastal communities. Yet, fishermen play a significant role in maintaining national food security. Therefore, the development of modern fishing villages is a crucial step to improve the quality of life of coastal communities. This development includes not only adequate housing but also adequate fishing ports, organized auction venues, catch refrigeration facilities, and digital access to support the marketing of marine products. With better facilities, fishermen can obtain a higher market value for their catch and no longer rely on middlemen.
The new direction of Indonesia’s blue economy also positions fishing villages as centers of local economic growth. Many coastal areas actually have significant marine tourism potential, such as beaches, maritime culture, seafood, and traditional fishing activities. If managed well, fishing villages can develop into educational tourism destinations and coastal-based creative economies. Tourists not only enjoy the beauty of the sea but also learn about the lives of fishermen, seafood processing, and the importance of preserving coastal ecosystems. The presence of community-based tourism like this can create new jobs for local residents, including women and young people in coastal areas.
In addition to tourism, strengthening the seafood processing industry is also a crucial part of transforming fishing villages. Until now, much of the catch has been sold raw at low prices. However, seafood has high added value when processed into frozen foods, fish floss, crackers, and even export products. With training and capital support, coastal communities can develop small businesses based on seafood that have greater economic value. This step also helps create a more independent local economy that is less dependent on the fishing season. On the other hand, proper seafood processing can also reduce waste and increase the efficiency of marine resource utilization.
Trian Yunanda, Head of the Coordinating Team for the Implementation of KNMP Development Phases I and II, explained that the younger generation of coastal communities also plays a crucial role in determining the future of fishing villages. Currently, many young people in coastal areas are choosing to leave their hometowns because they consider fishing a less lucrative profession. If this situation continues, Indonesia’s maritime sector will lose human resources who understand maritime culture team. Therefore, the transformation of fishing villages must be able to provide new hope for the younger generation through education, fisheries technology training, access to digital businesses, and opportunities for a marine-based creative economy. Coastal youth need to see that the marine sector is no longer synonymous with poverty, but rather a future sector that holds enormous potential if managed in a modern and sustainable manner.
The blue economy provides a new direction: marine development should no longer solely pursue short-term profits. The ocean must be protected as a shared heritage that sustains the lives of future generations. From more advanced, cleaner, and more productive fishing villages, Indonesia can build its identity as a strong and sustainable maritime nation.
)* Public Policy Analyst