Aceh – Indonesia, South Aceh Regency has received an allocation to develop four Merah Putih Fishermen Villages (KNMP) from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) of the Republic of Indonesia in 2026. Funded by the State Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBN), the program carries a total budget exceeding IDR 15 billion, distributed across four villages in four districts.
Confirmation of the development was delivered during the Socialization and Clear and Clean Event for the 2026 Merah Putih Fishermen Village Development, held in the Video Conference Room of the South Aceh Regional Secretariat on Friday, October 2, 2026.
The four designated locations are Sawang Indah Village in East Labuhanhaji District; Labuhan Tarok II Village in Meukek District; Darul Ihsan Village in Bakongan District; and Ujong Pulo Rayeuk Village in East Bakongan District.
The event was attended by South Aceh Regent Mirwan MS, representatives from the Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Head of the South Aceh Marine Affairs and Fisheries Service Hadi Suhaima, district heads, police and military officers, village heads (keuchik), the traditional maritime authority (Panglima Laot), the Indonesian Traditional Fishermen’s Union (KNTI), representatives from the four KNMP sites, implementing contractors, and supervising consultants.
Regent of South Aceh, Mirwan MS, expressed his appreciation to the central government, particularly the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, for designating the four KNMP locations in South Aceh. He hoped the program would focus not only on physical infrastructure development but also support the enhancement of local fishermen’s welfare and economy.
He emphasized the importance of ensuring all requirements are cleared and verified before construction begins, particularly regarding land status, community social readiness, and stakeholder commitment.
“Clear land status, social readiness of the community, and the commitment of all parties are vital factors to ensure the program’s implementation encounters no issues in the future,” said Mirwan MS in Tapak Tuan.
Mirwan MS instructed the Marine Affairs and Fisheries Service, district authorities, village governments, and the Panglima Laot to actively oversee every phase of development across the four locations.
Meanwhile, a representative of the Ministry’s Commitment Making Officer (PPK), Teuku Fachrurrazi, stated that the success of the KNMP program requires the active involvement of all stakeholders.
According to him, village governments occupy a strategic position as they are closest to the community and deeply understand the specific needs and potential of their respective areas.
He noted that the Ministry expects continued support from village governments, the Panglima Laot, KNTI, district heads, sub-district military commanders, and local police chiefs from the preparation and construction stages through to facility utilization and long-term sustainability.
Head of the South Aceh Marine Affairs and Fisheries Service, Hadi Suhaima, stated that the socialization and clear-and-clean session serves as a key momentum to strengthen cross-sectoral coordination.
“The Marine Affairs and Fisheries Service is committed to continuously monitoring every stage of the program so that the Merah Putih Fishermen Villages provide tangible benefits in elevating the welfare of fishing communities in South Aceh Regency,” said Hadi Suhaima.
He added that cross-sector support is essential to ensure the development of the four KNMP villages extends beyond providing infrastructure, evolving instead into productive and sustainable fishing communities.***