Enggano Island Isolated, KKP Prepares Solutions Through Fisherman Village

The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) is moving quickly to overcome the isolation of Enggano Island, Bengkulu, which has been facing a logistics crisis and limited fishery facilities.

Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono announced the construction of the Red and White Fisherman Village as a long-term solution for residents in the outermost region.

Enggano Island has been having difficulty getting logistics and marketing marine catch due to the shallow flow at the Port of Baai Island, Bengkulu. As a result, the distribution of basic necessities is disrupted and marine products are often not accommodated.

"First of course we will help with access. We have a ship that will connect Enggano Island with Bengkulu," Trenggono said in an official statement, Wednesday, June 25.

As part of the construction of the Red and White Fisherman Village, the government will build a permanent dock so that fishing boats can dock safely and properly. This Pier will be the starting point for economic activity in the coastal area of Enggano Island.

If there is a dock, of course the ship can juxtapose. From there economic activity can grow," explained Trenggono.

In addition to the dock, the KKP will also provide fishery support facilities such as cold storage and permanent ice factories. The presence of this infrastructure is expected to maintain the quality of fish and strengthen the supply chain caught by the sea in order to be able to compete in a wider market.

This step is the result of coordination between the KKP and the Bengkulu Provincial Government. Previously, Minister Trenggono had met Bengkulu Governor Helmi Hasan to discuss the construction of fishing villages at three points, namely Enggano Island (North Bengkulu Regency), Seluma Regency, and Kaur Regency.

The central government has allocated a budget of IDR 75 billion for the program. Each location will receive IDR 25 billion in funds.

The construction of the Merah Putih Fisherman Village is expected not only to improve logistics access and basic infrastructure on Enggano Island, but also to be a driving force for the economy of coastal communities in a sustainable manner.