The Shrimp Estate Program In NTT Is Confirmed To Continue Even Though It Replaces The Minister Of KP

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) is optimistic that the expansion of the large-scale shrimp farming program or cultivation scheme that will be carried out in Waingapu, Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) will continue, even though the era of leadership of the Minister of KKP Sakti Wahyu Trenggono has expired this year.

Special Assistant to the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries for Media and Public Communication of the KKP, Doni Ismanto, said the project would be carried out in Multi Years Contract (MYC) so that the project would not be completed in the short term.

"Yes (it continues), right, MYC, not a one time project. The philosophy is, right, we want to grow shrimp commodities, continue to increase production (Indonesia) in the global world to become the largest shrimp producer. Right, (Indonesia) lost to the Equals," Doni told VOI when met on the sidelines of the Indonesia Marine and Fisheries Business Forum 2024 agenda in Jakarta, Monday, February 5.

Doni assessed that the shrimp estate program in Waingapu is a large scale. So, it takes a very long time to complete it.

"So, actually that, right, create a modeling 'oh, this is the right way'. Finally, the private sector will participate in making investments because the modeling business like this has been approved," he said.

According to him, the project is new to Indonesia. Thus, the state needs to be included in the project as an initial commitment to attract foreign investors to invest in the Indonesian marine and fisheries sector.

"This, right, chicken and eggs, who wants to run it first, right, you have to believe the market. Making a believe market, right, it means that the country is intervening, entering. The state can prove it, you know, a business model like this, a pond model like this produces something. Later, the end goal is no longer the state let it be private, "he said.

Therefore, Doni is very optimistic that the project will continue even though Minister Trenggono's leadership expires in 2024.

"Yes, it should (continue), please. The state money is there," he added.

Previously reported, PT Hutama Karya (Persero) was mandated to work on an integrated shrimp farming design and construction project (Integrated Shrimp Farming) in Palakahembi Village, East Sumba Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

The project is a development of a large-scale shrimp farming estate program or cultivation scheme in Indonesia initiated by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) in 2024.

"We will work on pipeline networks, cultivation ponds, wastewater treatment plants (IPAL) as well as regional facilities and procurement of supporting equipment, with a working time of 1,095 calendar days," said Executive Vice President (EVP) Corporate Secretary Hutama Karya Tjahjo Purnomo quoted from Hutama Karya's official website, Thursday, February 1.

The Rp7.11 trillion project, which will be built on an area of 2,085 hectares (ha), is being worked on through operational cooperation (KSO) with PT Adhi Karya (Persero) Tbk, Hutama Karya and PT Minarta Dutahutama (KSO Adhi-HK-Minarta).

"This project aims to increase shrimp production through integrated cultivation in one management area while affirming Hutama Karya's commitment to contribute in supporting the development of accultural practices in a sustainable manner," he said.