Minister tells MPs fishermen still need government assistance

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JAKARTA (ANTARA) – Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono said fishermen still need government assistance to help increase productivity.

He said the government aid would allow them to focus more on increasing production without having to worry too much about supporting facilities and infrastructure.

“The government must provide subsidies to them,” he said during a working meeting with the House of Representatives Commission 4 in Jakarta on Tuesday.

He explained that ideally, the Fishermen’s Exchange Rate (NTN) is expected to be 130-300 to enable fishermen to become wealthy. NTN above 100 means it is good for them because they get a good price for their catch relative to the cost of what they need to buy.

In reality, fishermen still bear the burden of operating costs such as fuel for their vessels, Trengono said.

Therefore, there is a need for government intervention in the form of assistance in infrastructure and facilities to fishermen so that they can focus on improving productivity rather than thinking about improving boats and equipment, he added.

The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries proposed increasing the budget by IDR 4.47 trillion (USD 274.29 million), bringing the proposed budget ceiling for 2025 to IDR 10.7 trillion.

By raising the budget ceiling, the government is expected to support the development of various regions, including fishermen’s capital.

“If they are burdened with loans and other debts, they will not be able to work and be productive,” Trengono stressed.

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