This policy is expected to increase the distribution of local products from the eastern region so that it is not only focused on Java.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian fishers should be masters in their own country and enjoy an improved standard of living and economic prosperity, Presidential Chief of Staff (KSP) Moeldoko has stressed.

Moeldoko made the remarks while overseeing the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) and a marine and fisheries sector cooperation agreement here on Tuesday.

"It is expected that our fishers will become masters in their own nation," he said, according to a press release issued by the Presidential Staff Office on Tuesday.

The Indonesian government is committed to continuously working to improve the protection and welfare of Indonesian fishers, he added.

According to Moeldoko, the MoU and cooperation agreement have been signed so that fishermen in the eastern regions of Indonesia can utilize the fisheries and marine potential to improve their living standards and economic welfare.

Through the Ministerial Regulation (Permen KP) No. 58 of 2020 on Fishing Business, small fishing boats under 30 GT capacity will only be allowed to enter lane two (4-12 miles) and lane three (above 12 miles), if they meet certain requirements, he informed.

However, he noted, many fishers face legal problems when crossing regional borders.

He cited a report by the North Sulawesi Marine and Fisheries Office, which said that local fishers were forced to cross borders and take shelter in nearby islands due to logistical needs and bad weather.

Moeldoko said he hoped that the MoU signing will help fishers and enable them to make a strategic contribution to the existence and productivity of national fish barns.

Meanwhile, Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, said the central government appreciates local governments and communities that have been synergizing well to manifest sustainable marine resource management.

"This policy is expected to increase the distribution of local products from the eastern region so that it is not only focused on Java," Trenggono, who was also present at the MoU signing, said.

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Translator: Rangga J, Kenzu T
Editor: Sri Haryati
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