Vice President Evaluates Raja Ampat Fishermen Village which will Soon Operate

JAKARTA - Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka appreciates and evaluates the Fisherman Village in Raja Ampat Regency, South West Papua, which will soon operate in May.

"This fishing village will operate in May. I know, Madam, there are still many shortcomings, there are still many things to be evaluated, the assistance must also be increased. But this is better than yesterday," said Gibran when reviewing the Red and White Fishing Village in Raja Ampat, Wednesday, April 22, reported by ANTARA.

When having a dialogue with fishermen, Gibran appreciated the facilities that had been built in the Fishing Village, such as ice factories, cold storages and other supporting facilities which were considered crucial to maintaining the quality of fishermen's catch.

However, the Vice President assessed that there were still many other supporting facilities that needed to be added in order to become a complete fishery industry.

According to Gibran, the Red and White Fishermen Village in Raja Ampat is a pilot project that can be replicated in other areas that rely on capture fisheries as a driver of the local economy.

"So we are maupilotingdulu, we are trying this in one location first, if it goes well we will add it, we will replicate it in other places," said Gibran.

The former Solo Mayor also asked the head of the cooperative to make a budget and cost plan as a calculation of the capital needs of fishermen to be financed by the government.

Gibran also encouraged the development of supporting facilities after the Fisherman Village was operational, such as the use of solar energy (solar cells) and the development of fish processing and canning industries to increase the added value of marine products.

"Calculate the details of what the needs of the members of the cooperative are, then we will help. But don't use estimates. It can't be approximate, it has to be calculated. You will meet with your friends in the cooperative, what are the needs, what are the shortcomings," said Gibran to the head of the cooperative.

The government, said the Vice President, will continue to monitor the Fishing Village program through coordination with various parties, including the Executive Committee for the Acceleration of the Development of Special Autonomy for Papua, so that the welfare of fishermen can be improved sustainably.

On this occasion, the Vice President also highlighted the importance of supporting the arrangement of the local market so that it is more viable and representative.

"I see that the market behind the mothers is also selling there, maybe in the future it needs to be helped, so that it is more proper," he said.