The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has proposed a budget of Rp2.2 trillion (US$135.7 million) for the development of 100 Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih, or "Red and White Fishermen Villages," as part of a nationwide initiative to boost coastal community livelihoods and advance the country’s blue economy.

The proposal was submitted during a hearing with Commission IV of the House of Representatives (DPR) at the Nusantara II Building in Jakarta on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono said that these villages would be fully integrated with local Red and White Village Cooperatives to ensure sustainability and empowerment at the grassroots level.

According to Trenggono, the project will primarily focus on maximizing the potential of fish capture, with parallel support for aquaculture development through the construction of companion Aquaculture Villages. These efforts are expected to create a complete supply chain from production to market.

Each Fishermen Village will be equipped with essential infrastructure such as cold storage warehouses, ice factories, boat docks, seafood culinary centers, and logistics shops for fishermen. Additional facilities will include feed warehouses, water tanks, irrigation channels, drying floors, clean water systems, and other necessary utilities.

“The total investment per location is approximately Rp22 billion. Management of each Fishermen Village will be handled by the Red and White Village or Subdistrict Cooperatives,” Trenggono said.

The implementation will rely on proposals submitted by local governments − regents or governors − which must meet a set of eligibility criteria. These include having a population where at least 80 percent are fishers or aquaculture farmers, the presence of marine resources or tourism potential, and a land area of over one hectare that is clean and free from legal disputes.

Trenggono further revealed that the plan has received full support from President Prabowo Subianto, with a long-term goal of developing 1,000 fishermen villages.

“We’ve been asked to complete 500 by 2026, and another 500 by 2027,” he added.

The project is designed not only to uplift Indonesia’s coastal communities but also to serve as a model for integrated, sustainable fisheries-based economies. It is a key pillar in the government's effort to promote inclusive development and reduce poverty in maritime sectors, in line with Indonesia’s broader green and blue economy strategies.