Visit Indramayu Fishermen, Ganjar Pranowo Discursed About Extortion

InDRAMAYU - Ganjar Pranowo met with thousands of fishermen, fish farmers and salt farmers at TPI Karangsong, Indramayu, Saturday (12/12/2023). The number 3 presidential candidate was observed by the pirate action that blackmailed fishermen while at sea.

The pirate is suspected to have a background for thugs who are looking for money from picking up fishermen on the pretext of security. One large ship is usually asked to hand over around Rp. 2 million to Rp. 5 million each time it goes to sea.

Amirudin, one of the fishermen admitted before Ganjar that the pirate always asked for money for security and permission to enter the fishing area.

"There are pirates, sir. They ask for Rp5 million, at least Rp2 million if we go to sea," he said.

According to Amir, the pirates were not from among officers or state officials, but thugs. Usually they ride speed boats and approach fishing boats.

"They boarded a fast boat, and asked for money, especially large fishing boats. The money was for security and permission to enter the fishing area," he explained.

Meanwhile, Ganjar Pranowo said that the government must take firm action against the pirates.

"This is the task of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Navy to be able to help our fishermen. If they find something like that, there must be law enforcement actions. If not, of course, they will feel that this is an obligation even though it does not exist," he said.

The former governor of Central Java for two terms also added that security at sea is the responsibility of the Water Police Unit, not thugs.

"If there is extortion practice, then we will brush it," added Ganjar.

In addition to the matter of pirate prosecution, the white-haired presidential candidate is also ready to provide solutions for the convenience and welfare of fishermen. Among them are infrastructure, accelerated migration letters, ease of fuel oil (BBM) and business capital for fishermen.

"If fishermen want to be prosperous, then the state must be present so that they are more productive. In addition to training, mentoring, and providing assistance with fishing gear or diesel subsidies, one thing that can be done is bleaching bad loans for fishermen," said Ganjar.