Banten, 14 January 2026 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), together with Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) convened the Clean Energy Electric Boat Innovation Expo on Tunda Island today, showing how solar-powered electric boats can help small-scale fishers cut fuel costs, reduce emissions and strengthen livelihoods in the face of climate change. 

The event forms part of the seaBLUE Project, implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Republic of Indonesia and funded by the Government of Japan, which supports small-scale fishers while advancing a more sustainable and resilient blue economy in Indonesia. 

The SeaBLUE Project is introducing solar-powered electric boats and cooler boxes to help small-scale fishers in Indonesia reduce fuel costs, lower emissions, and keep their catch fresh, strengthening both their livelihoods and resilience to climate change. In partnership with BRIN and the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, the project combines practical training and technical support to ensure the boats are safe, easy to operate, and sustainable.

Under BRIN’s co-development approach, the collaboration has resulted in electric boat technology components that are not only innovative, but also well adapted to operational conditions in Indonesia’s remote, outermost and underdeveloped (3T) areas. “We expect electric boats and their supporting energy ecosystem to provide environmentally friendly, affordable and practical water transport solutions for communities in 3T regions, while serving as a strategic step toward a more sustainable transportation future in Indonesia,” said Aam Muharam, Head of BRIN’s Research Center for Transportation Technology.

The project aims to distribute 162 solar-powered cool boxes and six electric boat engines across 34 villages in Morotai and the Tanimbar Islands. Training for operators and installation of charging stations have been completed, while final installation and training for the electric boat engines are scheduled to conclude by the end of January. In line with these initiatives, a follow-up field visit will take place in February to showcase progress and capture valuable insights from the project implementation. 

“Small-scale fishers are at the heart of Indonesia’s coastal communities, yet many face rising costs and challenges in a changing environment.  Through solar-powered boats and cooling systems, UNDP is working with partners to give fishers practical tools that cut fuel expenses, keep catches fresh, and secure their income. These solutions put clean energy directly in the hands of communities—helping families sustain their livelihoods and build resilience for the future,"said UNDP Indonesia Resident Representative, Sara Ferrer Olivella.

In line with that, Head of BRIN Prof. Dr. Arif Satria, S.P., M.Si. highlighted the technical significance of the initiative. “Transitioning to electric vessels is a critical step toward decarbonizing the fisheries sector. Our partnership with UNDP ensures that electric boats are not only technologically sound, but truly usable by communities. By combining design improvements with hands-on training and continuous monitoring, we are building a foundation for wider adoption across Indonesia’s coastal regions,” he said. 

The SeaBLUE Project highlights the joint efforts of Indonesia’s government, the Government of Japan, and UNDP to advance a sustainable blue economy and resilient coastal communities. This collaboration demonstrates how innovation, community engagement, and coordinated action can strengthen fishers’ livelihoods, reduce environmental impact, and support economic growth, sustainable development, and climate action.

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Media Contacts:

Nabilla Rahmani, Head of Communication, UNDP
nabilla.rahmani@undp.org