BANDUNG — A major step toward advancing the downstream marine fisheries industry in Bali and Eastern Indonesia has officially begun. At PT Dirgantara Indonesia’s (PTDI) hangar in Bandung, PT BIBU Panji Sakti signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to purchase three amphibious N-219 aircraft (9/12/2025). These aircraft will be deployed to transport marine products—ranging from capture fisheries and aquaculture to seaweed—directly from coastal production hubs to international export markets.
The event was hosted by PT DI’s Director of Commerce, Technology, and Development, Muh. Arif Faisal. Also in attendance were two Balinese cultural leaders, AA Ngurah Ugrasena of Puri Agung Singaraja and AA Ngurah Alit Kakarsana of Puri Ageng Blahbatu, Gianyar. The Chairman of the Forum Silaturahmi Keraton Nusantara (FSKN), YM Brigjen Pol (P) Dr. H.A.A. Maparessa—also Karaeng Turikale VIII Maros—was present, showing cultural and social support from traditional leaders for the initiative.
Representing PT BIBU were PT BIBU Panji Sakti Commissioner, Air Chief Marshal (Ret.) Putu Dunia, and President Commissioner of PT BIBU Agro Maritim, Admiral (Ret.) Tedjo Edhy, who expressed confidence that the amphibious N-219 aircraft would become the backbone of efficient sea-to-land logistics.
In his remarks, CEO of PT BIBU Panji Sakti, Erwanto Sad Adiatmoko Hariwibowo, emphasized that the N-219 acquisition is not merely a transport investment, but the foundation of a new marine downstreaming ecosystem.
“We are not just buying airplanes—we are building an end-to-end marine downstreaming infrastructure that shortens the long supply chain and returns added value to our fishermen. The N-219 enables rapid transport from coastal zones directly to export airports. This is a game changer for Bali and Eastern Indonesia,” Erwanto said.
From the manufacturing side, PT DI Director for Commerce, Technology, and Development, M. Arif Faisal, reaffirmed PTDI’s commitment to supporting the industrial needs of BIBU Group.
“The amphibious N-219 is designed for missions that connect coastal regions with limited land access, offering high operational efficiency. We are proud that this nationally built aircraft has been entrusted to support Indonesia’s marine logistics,” he stated.
N-219: A National Aircraft Supporting Marine Logistics
The N-219, developed by PTDI, is designed for operations in remote and difficult-to-access areas—making it ideal for transporting fisheries commodities directly from coastal production centers in Bali and Eastern Indonesia. Through the three aircraft, PT BIBU aims to establish fast and efficient “air–sea–export” connectivity: from fishing vessels or coastal aquaculture sites, to air cargo facilities, and straight to export hubs such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Taiwan, and more.
This model aligns with the government’s push for marine downstreaming by shortening logistics chains, increasing added value and export quality, ensuring product freshness, and improving the livelihoods of fishermen and aquaculture farmers.
Air Chief Marshal (Ret.) Putu Dunia emphasized,
“This is not simply a purchase—it is an investment in the future of our fishermen and aquaculture communities, ensuring Indonesia’s marine products reach global markets directly.”
The FSKN Chairman also expressed cultural and community support, emphasizing that the initiative aligns with the values of ocean stewardship and coastal welfare.
“As these aircraft will also serve fishermen beyond North Bali, I created the tagline: ‘from North Bali to the Archipelago,’” he said enthusiastically.
Marine Fisheries Potential in Bali
Bali’s marine resources hold significant promise. Academic studies note that Bali’s marine waters span ± 9,634.35 km² with 470 km of coastline. Capture fisheries potential is estimated at ± 147,278.75 tons per year, dominated by high-value species such as tuna, mackerel, and lemuru.
In marine aquaculture, Bali has 1,551.75 hectares of potential area—of which only around 30% is currently utilized. Key commodities include seaweed, grouper, and pearl oysters.
Seaweed remains a vital commodity. National seaweed production reached 10.80 million tons in 2024—an increase of 10.82% from the previous year.
Indonesia’s Growing Fisheries Export Market
Indonesia’s fisheries export sector has shown strong performance in recent years. Export value in 2024 reached USD 5.95 billion, up 5.7% from 2023, contributing to a 9.1% increase in the fisheries trade surplus.
Top export commodities include shrimp, tuna, skipjack, squid–octopus, blue swimming crab, seaweed, tilapia, and lobster.
In Q2 2024, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries reported:
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Shrimp contributed 27.8% of total export value
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Tuna–skipjack–mackerel (TCT) 16.8%
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Squid–octopus 14.6%
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Blue swimming crab/crab 10.1%
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Seaweed 6%
Global investors have also increased interest in seaweed, which is used not only in food, but also pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and biobased materials.
A Strategic Move for Efficient Logistics
AA Ngurah Alit Kakarsana noted the strategic value of the aircraft in creating an efficient logistics chain and enabling true downstreaming.
“With the N-219 aircraft, we can transport marine products directly from small coastal ports—such as in Buleleng, Klungkung, or Nusa Penida—to processing facilities or export airports,” said Kakarsana, who also serves as President Director of PT BIBU Agro Maritim.
This system shortens the logistics chain, reduces dependence on middlemen, and increases added value for local fishermen and aquaculture farmers.***
