KKP disbursed Rp163 billion for North Maluku capture fisheries in 2020-2024

Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry (KKP) Acting Capture Fisheries Director General Lotharia Latif revealed in a written statement on Apr. 13, 2025, that the ministry had disbursed more than Rp163 billion for capture fisheries in North Maluku Province from 2020 to 2024. The support aims to raise fishermen's productivity and strengthen marine infrastructure in the region, which is known as one of the production centers for high-value fishery commodities such as skipjack tuna.

He explained that the budget was distributed through various schemes, including both direct programs from the ministry and Special Allocation Funds (DAK) provided to provincial, regency, and city governments. The assistance included thousands of units of fishing gear, ship engines, shipping safety equipment, as well as the construction and rehabilitation of docks, harbors, fish markets, and breakwaters.

"In 2024, we provided 106 fishing vessels complete with fishing gear to fishermen affected by natural disasters who are expected to be able to recover and increase their productivity," said Latif.

He added that the optimization of central government assistance is also reflected in the activities of the Bitung Fishing Port. The port is an important point in the operation of capture fisheries in North Sulawesi.

Until early 2024, the Bitung Fishing Port recorded 1,083 vessels docked and carrying out fishing operations. In addition, there were 13,899 fishermen that participated in fishing vesel crew training with the issuance of various certifications such as the Fishing Competence Certificate (SKN), the Fish Handling Skill Certification (SKPI), and Basic Safety Training Fisheries (BSTF) II.

Moreover, administrative services such as the issuance of 1,452 Seafarer's Books and facilitation of Good Fish Handling Methods (CPIB) for 111 vessels and 529 fishermen also demonstrate the KKP's commitment to maintaining the quality and competitiveness of fish catches.

Furthermore, Latif explained that the performance of fishing vessel permits recipients in North Sulawesi has also been shown to be positive. Currently, there are 960 vessels with central government permits operating in the region consisting of 878 fishing vessels and 82 transport vessels.

In addition, as many as 258 vessels with regional permits were also recorded, consisting of 238 fishing vessels, 19 light/operational support vessels, and one transport vessel. A total of 357 vessels were recorded as having migrated from regional permits to central permits, consisting of 354 fishing vessels and 3 transport vessels.

Of that number, 178 vessels have been equipped with a vessel monitoring system (VMS), consisting of 176 fishing vessels and 2 transport vessels. In terms of economic contribution, fishing ports in North Sulawesi contributed to Rp60.84 billion of Indonesia's non-tax state revenue throughout 2024.

Meanwhile, the amount of non-tax state revenue that had been collected from the region reached Rp16.04 billion until April 13, 2025,. Fishery production from vessels with central government permits that landed at North Sulawesi ports was also quite high. Throughout 2024, production was recorded at 75,579 tons. Meanwhile, until April 13, 2025, production had reached 19,904 tons.

KKP is optimistic that improvements from the ministry's various actions to the capture fisheries industry in North Sulawesi will have a real impact on food security and the welfare of fishermen in the area.