Prabowo Subianto’s Commitment to Food Security and Protecting Indonesian Fishermen

President Prabowo Subianto visited Gorontalo on May 9, 2026, where he reaffirmed the Indonesian government’s commitment to the welfare of the nation’s fishing communities and the pursuit of total food self-sufficiency. During the visit, the president emphasized that the state would prioritize the needs of fishermen, who he claimed have been historically overlooked by the central administration in Jakarta.

While visiting Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih, a fishing village in Gorontalo, Prabowo interacted directly with local residents. In a moment captured by observers, the president pushed aside members of the Presidential Security Force (Paspampres) to shake hands and engage more closely with the villagers, signaling a desire to bridge the gap between the presidency and the rural working class.

Critique of Centralized Policy

During his interactions in Gorontalo, President Prabowo expressed strong frustration regarding the disconnect between national policy-making and the reality of life for those in the maritime sector. He stated that the plight and struggles of fishermen are frequently forgotten or ignored by the intellectual and political elite residing in the capital.

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The president suggested that academic or theoretical approaches to governance used by officials in Jakarta often fail to address the practical, day-to-day challenges faced by those working in the fishing industry. He argued that the government must move beyond theoretical planning to ensure that tangible support reaches the grassroots level.

Maritime Security and Foreign Encroachment

A central component of the president’s visit focused on the protection of Indonesia’s sovereign waters. Prabowo announced that his administration would take a firm stance against foreign vessels that enter Indonesian territory to illegally harvest fish. He asserted that the theft of marine resources by foreign entities directly harms the livelihoods of local fishermen and undermines national economic security.

The president indicated that the government would increase efforts to repel these foreign vessels, framing the issue not only as an economic concern but as a matter of national sovereignty. This directive aligns with a broader strategy to secure the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and ensure that Indonesian marine wealth is reserved for Indonesian citizens.

Food Self-Sufficiency and Global Stability

Addressing the broader economic landscape, President Prabowo contrasted Indonesia’s current position with that of other nations facing food insecurity. He observed that while many countries are experiencing panic due to global supply chain instabilities and food shortages, Indonesia remains stable because it has focused on achieving food self-sufficiency.

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The president’s claim of achieving food self-sufficiency is a cornerstone of his administration’s domestic policy. By reducing reliance on imports and strengthening local production—including the fisheries sector—the government aims to insulate the Indonesian population from international price volatility and geopolitical disruptions.

Governmental Implementation

The Cabinet Secretary (Seskab) further reinforced the president’s messages during the trip, confirming that the administration is implementing specific measures to ensure the state’s presence is felt by the fishing community. The Seskab stated that the government is committed to providing the necessary infrastructure and support systems to improve the productivity and safety of fishermen.

This commitment includes efforts to modernize fishing equipment, improve access to markets, and provide better social protections for those working in the maritime industry. The government intends to transform fishing villages like Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih into hubs of economic growth that contribute directly to the national goal of food independence.

The visit to Gorontalo serves as a signal of the administration’s intent to pivot toward more populist, resource-focused policies that prioritize the periphery of the archipelago over the administrative center of Jakarta.