Indonesia and UK Build 1,582 Fishing Vessels

Why this is here: The program aims to train approximately 11,418 deckhands to crew the new fleet, representing a large-scale effort to develop a skilled workforce for Indonesia’s fishing industry.

Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, in partnership with the United Kingdom, begins a £4 billion program to build 1,582 new fishing vessels. The program intends to replace aging boats and improve the competitiveness of Indonesia’s fisheries sector. Construction will focus on vessels ranging from 30 to 500 gross tonnage, with an initial phase prioritizing fifty 30-GT vessels in 2026.

The initiative also includes recruiting roughly 20,000 crew members—captains, engineers, and deckhands—who will receive training and certification. However, officials acknowledge concerns that larger vessels could displace traditional fishers, who operate smaller boats under 10 GT. Current regulations divide fishing zones, restricting smaller vessels to waters closer to shore.

The Ministry asserts the program will not increase pressure on small-scale fishers and that larger vessels will adhere to designated zones. Oversight will include licensing, catch recording, and vessel tracking, but the effectiveness of these measures in preventing competition remains to be seen. The program’s success will depend on balancing modernization with the needs of Indonesia’s vast small-scale fishing community.