Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Fisheries and Maritime Affairs Minister Fadel Muhammad said that fish stocks were enough for the people`s need during the post-fasting month of Lebaran festivities.

"For the Lebaran festivities, fish stocks are enough," Minister Fadel said here on Tuesday.

The minister said that fish demand would increase in the face of the Lebaran or Idul Fitri festivities yet increase would not be too big.

He said that the increase in the fish demand was estimated at between 15 percent and 30 percent.

The Fisheries and Maritime Ministry (KKP) has prepared anticipatory steps in the face of the projected increase in the fish demand, namely by holding bazaars in 14 places in Jakarta and its satellite towns of Bogor, Tangerang and Bekasi (Jabotabek).

"The launch of the bazaars reflects the KKP`s commitment to meeting the need for fish of the people during the Idul Fitri festivities," the minister said.

He said that in organizing the bazaars the KKP would cooperate with four private companies in selling fish with prices 50 percent lower than those in regular markets.

The minister said that fish to be sold in the bazaars would not be taken from imported fish.

Fadel said the fleet that would transport fish would also be made available in order to ensure the availability of stocks.

Director General for Processing and Marketing of Fishery Products (P2HP) of KKP, Victor Nikijuluw said there would be four trucks which were ready to operate for the bazaars in Jabotabek.

"We will distribute some five to six tons of fish to the bazaars with low prices, or about Rp3,000 per kg," he said.

The director general said that the bazaars would be organized every day until the Lebaran, by involving micro, small and medium-sized businesses. The small-scale businesses were under the guidance program of the KKP.
(Uu.A014/HAJM/H-YH)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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