Natuna Regent Cen Sui Lan accompanied the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of the Republic of Indonesia during his official visit to Natuna Regency to review the preparation sites for the development of Modern Fishermen’s Villages, planned to be built in two locations: Singgang Bulan Hamlet, Cemaga Utara Village, South Bunguran District, and Tanjung Kumbik Utara Village, West Pulau Tiga District, on Tuesday (August 26).
The official visit of one of the cabinet ministers reflects the central government’s strong commitment to improving the welfare of traditional coastal fishing communities in border areas.
Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, during the visit, expressed that the program is expected to accelerate the socio-economic progress of fishermen through the provision of adequate community facilities, sustainable fishing technology, and a more integrated seafood distribution system.
Trenggono emphasized Natuna’s highly strategic position, both geopolitically and geo-economically. Located along Indonesia’s Archipelagic Sea Lanes (ALKI) with abundant fishery potential, the region serves not only as Indonesia’s maritime defense stronghold but also as an epicenter for marine-based economic growth.
He further underlined the importance of sustainability in every development program. The management of marine resources, he noted, must be based on the principles of the blue economy, ensuring a balance between economic utilization and marine ecosystem preservation. With this approach, Natuna is envisioned not only as a maritime economic hub but also as a model for sustainable fisheries management in border regions.
Regarding the development of the Modern Fishermen’s Villages in Natuna, Trenggono explained that the initiative is not merely about infrastructure development but represents a comprehensive effort to transform the socio-economic conditions of fishing communities. Through modernization, Natuna fishermen are expected to increase catch yields, expand market access, and maximize the added value of fishery products.
The central government, he affirmed, remains fully committed to supporting local government development initiatives. With strong collaboration, Trenggono expressed confidence that Natuna will emerge as a beacon of modern fisheries in Indonesia.
Echoing this view, Regent Cen Sui Lan noted that Natuna holds vast potential to become a developed region through improved fisheries management, as highlighted by the Minister. However, she acknowledged that traditional fishermen still face persistent challenges, ranging from limited infrastructure access and market distribution to the competitiveness of fishery products.
Therefore, Cen Sui Lan underscored the importance of synergy between local and central government in the form of programmatic support to strengthen the economic independence of coastal communities.
As part of the official agenda, Cen Sui Lan also invited the Minister to inspect the proposed site of the Modern Fish Market (at the former Ranai City Market), a project funded through a grant from the Government of Japan via the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The establishment of this market is expected to serve as a central distribution hub for fishermen’s catches, further reinforcing Natuna’s position as a maritime economic axis in the border region.
This visit not only reflects the central government’s attention to coastal area development but also highlights the role of regional leadership in advancing the interests of fishing communities (Prokopim/Patli)
RILIS PERS, Number : 0529/PRO_KOPIM/2025
