In 2023, the construction of SPBN for fishing cooperatives will be increased, with a target of 250 locations or 250 cooperatives. It is quite big
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Cooperatives and Small, Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Teten Masduki expressed keenness to expand the implementation of the fishermen's solutions program to provide fishermen's fuel station (SPBN) at 250 locations in 2023.

At the 2022 Reflection and 2023 Outlook event in Jakarta, Monday, the minister explained that similar to the program in 2022, his side will collaborate with the State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Ministry, Cooperative Revolving Fund Management Institution (LPDB), Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), Ministry of Agrarian and Spatial Planning/ National Land Agency (ATR/BPN), as well as local government to realize the goal.

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"In 2023, the construction of SPBN for fishing cooperatives will be increased, with a target of 250 locations or 250 cooperatives. It is quite big," he remarked.

Masduki noted that increasing the number of SPBN is aimed at accommodating fishermen to get subsidized diesel in their region. This is deemed to be increasingly important since 60 percent of the fishermen's production costs are spent on buying fuel.

"So far, their access to subsidized diesel fuel has not been easy. They have to buy from retailers. Before the fuel price increase yesterday, our fishermen already paid Rp10,000 to Rp12,000 per liter," he remarked.

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Masduki expressed optimism that the increase in the number of SPBN in fishing cooperatives would be able to help fishermen access subsidized solar more easily.

He said that currently, out of 11 thousand fishing villages, only 388 fishing villages have SPBN.

"Later, with the program, every fishing cooperative will have fuel stations that are close to fishing villages. This will accommodate fishing communities to access financing. This program will be able to cut fishermen's production costs by up to 30 percent by being able to buy gas at station prices," he stated.


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Translator: Ade Irma J, Resinta S
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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