My instruction is clear that the people’s interest will not be bothered.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono has said he believes that the budget refocusing policy to assist COVID-19 handling would not adversely affect the interests of the national marine and fisheries community.

“My instruction is clear that the people’s interest will not be bothered,” he said during a meeting with Commission IV of the House of Representatives here on Monday.

According to the House’s official website, the ministry’s financial statement evaluation for the 2020 budget year, the evaluation of activities in 2021, as well as activities proposal for the 2022 fiscal year were discussed at the meeting.

The ministry’s budget ceiling was changed from Rp6.5 trillion to Rp4.75 trillion due to the government's fourth budget refocusing attempt, he informed.

Related news: Government's budget reallocation for procuring free COVID-19 vaccine

From the budget, the ministry will allocate Rp1.2 trillion for marine and fishery management programs and Rp113.1 billion for value-added and fisheries industry competitiveness programs, he added.

In addition, Rp68.2 will be used for quality environment programs, Rp253.8 billion for vocational education and training programs, and Rp55.4 billion for science and technology research and innovation programs, he informed.

The remaining budget is meant for management support programs, such as employee salaries and operational costs, he added.

"I urge that the community interest programs have to be carried out. I am open for any discussion regarding the refocusing attempt," the minister said.

The ministry’s budget absorption realization reached Rp2.67 trillion, or 56.36 percent, as of August 19, 2021; however, the realization may reach 64.58 percent if it comprises the outstanding contract, he added.

"We will continue to maximize our budget absorption until the end of 2021," Trenggono added. (


Related news: Law Ministry reallocates Rp1.1 trillion for COVID-19 handling
Related news: Religious Affairs Ministry reallocates Rp2 tln for pandemic handling

Translator: Razi Rahman, Uyu Liman
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2021