Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) Sakti Wahyu Trenggono stressed that vaccinating fishermen is important because their productivity in the marine and fisheries sector supports food security and national economic growth. "Prevention efforts in fishing villages, such as providing vaccines, spraying disinfectants, mass testing and distributing masks, are very useful in protecting fishermen, so they can continue to fish and lead in supporting our national food sovereignty," Trenggono said.

Speaking at an event for inaugurating a vaccination outreach at the fishing village community in the Modern Fish Market, North Jakarta, on Thursday, he explained that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the KKP made the effort to be present in the community, both directly and indirectly.

The ministry also provided timely and convenient services, such as holding vaccination drives at marine and fishery centers, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and local governments.

It also provided economic stimulus packages to fishermen, such as basic necessities and assistance, supported their productivity by donating fishing boats and fishing gear, and helped diversify their businesses to enable them to have alternative livelihoods, he added.

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"There are also fishing capital facilitations available from the Public Service Agency for Marine and Fisheries Capital Management (BLU-LPMUKP), banks and Perum Pegadaian, to improve services related to licensing, so fishing business can be more efficient and productive," Trenggono noted.

The vaccination of fishing communities in North Jakarta is being held by the Central Executive Board of the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (BPP HIPMI) for three days, starting today.

The committee aims to give more than 3,000 residents their first vaccine dose.

Trenggono praised the work of BPP HIPMI, stressing that the government must cooperate with many parties to achieve its most ambitious vaccination targets.

Regarding the vaccination program on the north coast of Jakarta, he expressed his optimism that the productivity of the local fisheries sector, which is valued at Rp. 30 trillion per year, can be maintained and even increased.

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Translator: M Razi, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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