Minister of Forestry and Environment Responds Strongly to the Money for the Boat, Purbaya: Ah Gampang, Mr. Minister is my Friend

JAKARTA - Minister of Finance (Menkeu) Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa stated that the budget for the construction of ships for the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has not been disbursed.

This was revealed by Purbaya at the Presidential Palace complex, Jakarta, in response to the statement by the Minister of Forestry and Environment Sakti Wahyu Trenggono that the funds for the construction of domestic ships came from foreign loans, specifically from the Government of the United Kingdom (UK).

According to Purbaya, the budget allocation will ultimately still go through the Ministry of Finance.

"It hasn't (disbursed funds)," said Purbaya, quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, February 11.

Purbaya explained that his party had carried out further checks on the internal ranks related to the ship development plan.

He emphasized that the construction of the ship can basically be carried out without waiting for the disbursement of funds.

According to him, the ship can be ordered in advance if there is a mature plan.

"Gini, if you have plans for a ship of several thousand, you have to wait until you have the funds first. There is already a plan in front of it, right. I ask for that. That's all, there is no visible movement in front of it," he said.

Purbaya said communication with Trenggono was not a problem. He said the relationship between the two was going well so that coordination could be carried out easily.

"Ah, it's easy. The Minister is also my friend, it's easy," he added.

Previously, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono emphasized that the funds for the construction of domestic ships came from foreign loans, specifically from the Government of the United Kingdom (UK).

This statement was made through his personal Instagram account, responding to comments from Minister of Finance Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa regarding the funding source for the project.

"Dear Minister of Finance, so that you understand and are smart, that the funds for the construction of the ship come from foreign loans from the UK government," wrote Trenggono via Instagram account.

Trenggono's post refers to a statement by Finance Minister Purbaya in a discussion held by the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) in Jakarta, Tuesday.

Purbaya emphasized the importance of strengthening the national shipping industry. He also highlighted that Indonesia has qualified human resources, but the shipyard industry has not developed optimally due to a lack of opportunities and policies that are less in favor of domestic production.

According to him, one of the main causes is the policy of importing used ships which undermines the demand for locally made ships.

He also highlighted the low utilization of government spending to support domestic shipyards, including in the ship rejuvenation program.