Jakarta, Jan. 15 -- Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has launched solar-powered electric boats to support small-scale fishermen and promote a resilient blue economy, officials said.

The launch took place on Tunda Island, Banten, on Wednesday as part of the Clean Energy Electric Boat Innovation Expo under the SeaBLUE Project, led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, with funding support from Japan.

BRIN Head Arif Satria said in a statement issued on Thursday that the initiative aims to ensure that electric boat technology is both advanced and practical for use by coastal communities.

Transitioning to electric vessels is critical to decarbonizing In...