Menkop Holds Groundbreaking for Fishermen's SPBU and Red and White Kopdes Sadai Market

Minister of Home Affairs Ferry Juliantono (Photo: Ministry of Home Affairs)

JAKARTA - Minister of Cooperatives (Menkop) Ferry Juliantono signed a cooperation agreement with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) regarding the development of modern cooperatives in the Fisherman Village area in Tukak Village, South Bangka, Friday, December 19.

On the same occasion, Ferry also laid the first stone (groundbreaking) for the construction of a Fisherman's Gas Station and Shop, Warehouse and other Supporting Facilities from the Merah Putih Village Cooperative (Kopdes) in Tukak Village.

Ferry said that the presence of the Nelayan SPBU, which will be managed by Kopdes Tukak, is expected to ease the operational costs of fishermen as well as facilitate access to biofuels.

"Hopefully the construction of the Nelayan SPBU in Tukak village can start immediately and run smoothly so that it can provide real benefits for fishermen and cooperative members," said Ferry, Friday, December 19.

He added that the laying of the first stone of the Nelayan SPBU in Tukak was said to be an answer to the energy needs of fishermen who have not been accommodated so far. Ferry is optimistic that the construction of this SPBU and Kopdes outlets will have a multiplier effect on the village.

"This Nelayan SPBU will provide great benefits for cooperatives and fishermen, especially in reducing costs and strengthening energy distribution," he said.

He emphasized that cooperation between the Ministry of Home Affairs with the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries and Pertamina Patra Niaga would strengthen the integration of the Kampung Nelayan and Kopdes Merah Putih programs. In that way, production, marketing, and distribution can run in one sustainable value chain.

"This memorandum of understanding is a continuation of previous cooperation, as well as a strategic step to unite the Fisherman's Village and Kopdes programs so that they can strengthen each other," he explained.

Ferry also touched on the plan to procure ships through the KKP program which will support fishermen's activities. This is expected to strengthen the competitiveness of coastal communities. He hopes that the collaboration that has been established can be replicated in other areas, especially in coastal areas, so that the standard of living of the community can be improved.

"This collaboration and cooperation is a role model and we will continue to continue so that later the establishment of the Fisherman's Gas Station can be replicated in coastal villages throughout Indonesia," said Ferry.

Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Marketing Director, Eko Ricky Susanto, conveyed full support for the construction of a Fisherman's Gas Station in Tukak village. Eko emphasized Patra Niaga's commitment as the front line in serving energy for coastal communities. He emphasized that with the presence of a Fisherman's Gas Station, access to bio-solar will be easier, prices will be affordable according to government regulations, and fuel supplies will be guaranteed.

"With this gas station, Pertamina Patra Niaga hopes to help fishermen and coastal communities to be more efficient in sailing so that there will be a multiplier effect that will make Tukak village more advanced and prosperous," said Eko.