What Happened During Prabowo’s Visit to Merah Putih Fishing Village in Gorontalo, Check This
Dailynesia.com – The visit by President Prabowo Subianto to the Merah Putih Fishing Village (KMNP) in Leato Selatan, Gorontalo, on Saturday (9/5/2026) was marked by a series of impactful activities aimed at strengthening maritime economic development. Arriving at the village at 14:30 WITA, the president immediately inspected the newly operational cold storage facility and ice production plant, which had been completed by December 2025. This visit was accompanied by several ministers, including KP Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, Foreign Minister Sugiono, and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, underscoring the government’s commitment to supporting coastal communities.
Key Activities and Government Commitments
What Happened During the president’s engagement with fishermen present at the site revealed a focus on enhancing their livelihoods. In his speech, Prabowo emphasized the importance of empowering all Indonesian fishermen through the Blue Ocean Economy concept. “Our goal is to ensure the quality of life for fishermen improves significantly. Income must be increased, as their role is crucial to the nation’s survival,” he stated. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernize the fishing sector and create sustainable economic opportunities.
“By focusing on the Blue Ocean Economy, we aim to drive economic growth through innovation and sustainable practices. This model is not only vital for the fishing community but also for the overall development of coastal regions,” added Prabowo, highlighting the long-term vision for maritime economy advancement.
What Happened During the visit also included discussions on the progress of the KMNP project. Prabowo mentioned that he had recently visited Miangas Island and attended the ASEAN summit in Cebu, Philippines, reinforcing his dedication to expanding national and regional maritime initiatives. He confirmed the government’s plan to establish 1,386 fishing villages this year, with a gradual reduction to 1,000 per year in the following years. This effort is expected to significantly boost the fishing sector’s contribution to Indonesia’s GDP.
Development of the KMNP Project
The KMNP Leato Selatan project, part of the first phase of the National Fishing Village Program (KNMP), has already achieved notable milestones. Covering an area of 3,895 square meters, the development was funded with Rp 15.8 billion, transforming the village into a comprehensive economic hub. The facility includes production, processing, and support services for the coastal population, ensuring that the community benefits from improved infrastructure and access to better market channels.
What Happened During the program’s implementation has shown tangible results, with 835 households currently served. Among these, 612 are actively involved in fishing, supported by 214 fishing vessels. The village’s strategic location offers abundant potential for large-scale fishing, with key species such as selar, cakalang, and tuna contributing significantly to local income and the city’s reputation for quality marine products.
What Happened During the president’s inspection also highlighted the government’s dedication to the Blue Ocean Economy. This model emphasizes sustainable resource utilization and value-added activities, such as processing and packaging, to increase the economic impact of fisheries. By integrating modern technology and infrastructure, the initiative aims to reduce post-harvest losses and create more job opportunities for the youth in coastal areas.
Challenges and Future Prospects
What Happened During the development of KMNP Leato Selatan also underscored the challenges faced by fishermen in remote areas. Limited access to cold storage facilities and processing units often results in lower product quality and reduced market prices. Prabowo’s visit to the village aims to address these issues by demonstrating government support and encouraging private sector investment.
The president’s commitment to the Blue Ocean Economy is expected to catalyze further development in Gorontalo and other coastal provinces. By creating a network of fishing villages, the government hopes to enhance the resilience of coastal communities and promote inclusive economic growth. The success of KMNP Leato Selatan could serve as a blueprint for similar projects across Indonesia, ensuring that fishermen benefit from long-term economic stability and environmental sustainability.
