We want to change the fishermen’s focus from searching to catching fish.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry (KKP) has targeted the National Fish Barn (LIN) Program to contribute Rp3.71 trillion each year to non-tax revenues (PNBP) owing to the vast potential in the fisheries sector.

“If we (the KKP) implement the LIN, we can generate Rp3.7 trillion every year from the Fisheries Development Area (WPP) 718,” Marine Affairs and Fisheries Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono stated during a virtual coordination meeting with related ministries and agencies on Wednesday.

The Fisheries Development Area of the Republic of Indonesia (WPPNRI) 718 comprises the Aru Sea, Arafuru Sea, and eastern part of Timor Sea. Administratively, the area is located within Papua, West Papua, and Maluku Provinces.

Furthermore, the area has potential to 5,500 workers, he said, adding that the KKP had regulated the fishing mechanism within the area. Each fisherman will have a fishing quota and be able to only bring his catch to the appointed ports.

Related news: Indonesia to build national fish storage

There will be eight fishing ports near WPPNRI 718 to support the Ambon New Port as the main integrated harbor. The Ambon New Port is expected to be the export gateway for fisheries products in the LIN area, he said.

In the meantime, refrigerated container ships will be provided for the domestic market. The ships supply the products from ports within the LIN area to destination ports. This scheme also aims to support the government’s sea toll, Trenggono expounded.

The KKP will streamline the supervision system of Indonesia’s marine areas to ensure the scheme runs well using satellite-based technology, the minister highlighted.

The system can additionally monitor fish stocks, oil spill, condition of corals, shrimp and seaweed farming areas, as well as the integrated coastal regions apart from supervising the fishing boats with or without the vessel monitoring system (VMS), he explicated.

“We want to change the fishermen’s focus from searching to catching fish,” Trenggono stated. Related news: Ministry develops aquaculture micro insurance for fish farmers



Translator: M Razi Rahman, Uyu Liman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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