Indonesia extends discounted fuel for fishing fleet to year-end

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia will keep subsidized diesel at Rp15,000 (US$0.83) per liter for eligible fishing vessels through Dec. 31, 2026, as the government seeks to support the fisheries sector while tightening oversight to prevent misuse.

Marine Affairs and Fisheries Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono said Friday the temporary stimulus will expire on Dec. 31 and remain subject to government evaluation.

Speaking at a parliamentary hearing in Jakarta a day earlier, Trenggono said only vessels of 30-200 gross tonnage holding valid Fishing Licenses (SIPI) or Fish Carrier Vessel Permits (SIKPI) qualify.

Eligible vessels must also have operated actively during the previous six months and maintain a functioning Vessel Monitoring System (VMS), he said.

The minister said vessel owners must sign an integrity pact and commit to revising profit-sharing arrangements with crew members.

To ensure targeted distribution, shipowners must also submit fuel-purchase plans to port authorities before refueling.

Eligible vessels may buy fuel only at stations designated in their SIPI or SIKPI, and purchased fuel cannot be transferred to other vessels, including those under the same ownership.

Trenggono said VMS equipment must remain active during refueling. Vessel owners must also allow ministry inspections, implement fuel-use recommendations within three months and submit fuel-consumption reports with supporting documents.

He said distribution will be monitored through integrated digital systems operated by state energy company Pertamina and downstream oil and gas regulator BPH Migas to improve transparency and accountability.

The ministry estimates 399 million liters of diesel will be required to support operations of more than 6,700 fishing and fish-carrying vessels across Indonesia's fisheries management areas through the end of 2026.

Related news: Indonesia caps fuel price at Rp15,000 for mid-to-large fishing boats

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Translator: Shofi Ayudiana, Tegar Nurfitra

Editor: Rahmad Nasution

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