Jakarta, Oct. 28 -- Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono has set a target to modernize 1,582 fishing vessels as part of efforts to strengthen the country's maritime competitiveness and improve the quality of its fisheries sector.

"Under President Prabowo's directive, we are tasked with modernizing 1,582 fishing vessels," Trenggono said at the 100 Economists Forum in Jakarta on Tuesday.

He said the modernization initiative is a key part of the national food self-sufficiency agenda, aimed at improving fishermen's welfare and ensuring the sustainable use of marine resources.

The minister added that the program is expected to boost fishing productivity, create jobs, raise non-tax state revenue, and contribute to b...