Blue Tech Indonesia Inaugurated: A New Era of Clean Energy for Indonesia’s Small-Scale Fisheries

PANGANDARAN, 23 April 2025 – The Blue Tech Indonesia program was officially inaugurated on 19 April 2025 during the Gala Dinner of the Pangandaran Airshow 2025, marking a key step forward in Indonesia’s marine energy transition. Spearheaded by Pandu Laut Nusantara and Gempacs, with support from P4G (Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals) and the World Resources Institute (WRI), the program aims to accelerate the decarbonization of small-scale fisheries by introducing 100% electric boat systems to coastal communities.

During the ceremony, Gempacs symbolically handed over five electric boat engines to Pandu Laut Nusantara. Each engine will form part of a complete package for traditional fishermen, including a fiber-reinforced fishing boat, species-specific sustainable fishnets, and a solar-powered charging station supported by PLN. These technologies are designed not only to reduce fuel dependence and emissions but also to lower long-term operational costs for small-scale fishers.

Blue Tech Indonesia was also showcased at the event through Pandu Laut’s on-site booth, where Gempacs’ electric engines attracted wide attention. The program has since sparked broad interest from institutions, enterprises, and international representatives.

At the national level, engagement came from senior officials of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, PLN, and BASARNAS. Initial private sector dialogues were held with representatives from Pertamina, and the CEOs of Samudera Indonesia, Freeport Indonesia, and Sinarmas Louis Dreyfus Company.

International interest was expressed by ambassadors from Morocco, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Hungary, and Tunisia, reflecting alignment with global priorities in clean energy, marine resilience, and coastal development.

Building on this momentum, implementation preparations began earlier this year with the thorough verification of 96 potential beneficiaries across Pangandaran. This was followed by household surveys, informal interviews, and community sensitization activities to build familiarity and trust around clean marine technology.

Official Launch and Full Deployment

The full program rollout is scheduled for Q2–Q3 2025, beginning with the physical handover of electric boat packages to the selected fishermen. Each beneficiary will receive a fully integrated system and will participate in hands-on training covering engine use, maintenance, and safety.

In the months following the handover, Pandu Laut Nusantara will deliver a comprehensive educational program encompassing climate change adaptation, sustainable fishing practices, marine conservation, and financial literacy. These sessions will be designed for both fishermen and coastal women, many of whom lead household economies and seafood processing initiatives.

The launch event will also serve as a national and international platform to engage all parties that have expressed interest to date. Invitations will extend to key institutions and potential collaborators including KKP (via e-katalog), PLN, Komisi V DPR RI, HNSI Cilacap, Matahari Nelayan Tegal, Batam Taxis, Fauna & Flora International, UNDP BISA Accelerator, Samudera Logistics, Pertamina CSR, eco-resorts in Kepulauan Seribu, cooperatives in Ternate and Solo, BBPI Semarang, the Anambas Foundation, Yellow Boat Foundation, and NGOs in Sulawesi, NTT, and Riau Islands, as well as the Kenyan Ministry of Finance, among others.

A Scalable Model for an Inclusive Blue Economy

As Indonesia moves forward with its national energy transition and climate targets, Blue Tech Indonesia presents a scalable, community-driven model for transforming its coastal economy. By centering the needs of traditional fishermen and offering real solutions to fossil fuel dependency, the program promotes a just and inclusive pathway to sustainability—one that links technology, education, and local empowerment.

Stakeholders, policymakers, media, individuals and coastal community partners are invited to join this movement—to collaborate, replicate, and scale clean marine solutions across the archipelago and beyond.

📩 Media Contact: Abigail Bruno Program Coordinator, Pandu Laut Nusantara 

📧 abigail.bruno@pandulaut.org 

📍 Jakarta – Pangandaran

📸 Press Materials: Download Photos & Media Kit