Bengkulu Governor Ensures KKP Prepares Special Ships For Isolated Enggano Island

Bengkulu Governor Helmi Hasan. BETWEEN/Boyke Ledy Watra

Bengkulu Governor Helmi Hasan stated that the Central Government will immediately prepare special transportation as access to and from Indonesia's outer islands in Bengkulu, Enggano Island, which is currently constrained due to the silting of the Baai Island Port channel, Bengkulu City.

"The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) said that a special ship will be prepared that can carry passengers and produce from Enggano to Bengkulu City. In fact, there is an option to present a pioneer plane to strengthen the connectivity of the Enggano community," said Bengkulu Governor Helmi Hasan as reported by ANTARA, Tuesday, June 24.

Helmi Hasan on this day visited the KKP to coordinate regarding urgent matters, namely the condition of Enggano Island which was hampered by access.

Enggano Island is the outermost island located in the middle of the Indian Ocean, about 156 km or 90 nautical miles from Bengkulu City. One of the ways to reach the outer islands of Indonesia in Bengkulu is to take advantage of sea transportation.

If you sail to Enggano Island by ferry, it will take at least 12 hours. However, since the last three months the port of Baai Island, Bengkulu City, has been blocked by the flow, activities in and out of the port pier have become disrupted.

This also disrupted shipping activities using a ferry to Enggano Island. Enggano's public access stalled due to the ship crossing not being able to enter and exit the port of Baai Island Port.

"Not only physical development, coordination has also resulted in other support plans for Enggano Island, which has faced major challenges in access to transportation and logistics," said Helmi Hasan.

According to Governor Helmi, on Enggano Island, the central government will also build a Red and White Fisherman's Village Program with a budget of IDR 25 billion.

The fishing village program is an effort by the central government in accelerating the development of coastal areas, improving the welfare of fishing communities, and strengthening national identity through sustainable management of marine resources.

The fishing village will be integrated with the Red and White Village Cooperative to support the economic empowerment of the residents. With Bengkulu's entry into the development scheme, Governor Helmi Hasan is optimistic that Bumi Merah Putih will be more empowered.

"God willing, this will be a big step to increase Bengkulu's economic growth," said Helmi.