Listening To Fishermen Prohibited From Buying Pertalite, Mrs. Asks The Minister Of KKP Execution: What About The Minister?

Speaker of the House of Representatives Mrs. Maharani (Photo of the House of Representatives Doc)

JAKARTA - The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, came to Banyuwangi, East Java to absorb the aspirations of the fishermen. To Puan, the fishermen complained about cheap fuel oil (BBM) for fishing.

One of the fishermen, Rahmat Sukardi, complained to Puan because Pertamina was prohibited from buying Pertalite. In fact, he said, fishermen still need cheap fuel.

"We were told to buy Pertamax. Even though we are small fishermen. The income from the sea is not much, especially during the pandemic," said Sukardi during a dialogue with Puan at the Mandar Fish Market, Banyuwangi, Friday, November 12.

At that time Puan was accompanied by the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, and the Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA), I Gusti Ayu Bintang Darmawati and Banyuwangi Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani Azwar Anas, and members of the Indonesian House of Representatives.

"Because fuel is the main cost component of going to sea. Especially during this pandemic," said Puan as quoted from a written statement.

The first woman to serve as Chair of the DPR also asked the government to provide fishermen with access to cheap fuel. This request was conveyed directly to Minister Trenggono who was present.

"How is it, Minister? This is while there is a minister," said Puan, pointing to Trenggono who was sitting beside her.

Minister Trenggono said his party was ready to provide cheap fuel for fishermen, especially in Banyuwangi. "We will distribute it through fishing cooperatives," said Trenggono.

To the dozens of fishermen who were present, Puan asked them to share their thoughts.

"Let's say everything. While I and the Minister are there," said Puan, greeted with joy by the fishermen.

Hearing Puan's request, Helmi Tri Suhadi, Chair of the Marina Beach Fishermen's Group, Banyuwangi, issued a statement about the low selling price of his catch.

"When it's fish harvest season, the price drops, Mbak Puan," complained Helmi.

Complaints also emerged from the wife of the fisherman, Rodiatulloh, a resident of Muncar, Banyuwangi.

"This fisherman's income has ups and downs. We fishermen's wives want income to help their husbands," he said.

Puan said she was happy to hear the enthusiasm of the fishermen's wives who were eager to help their husbands to make ends meet.

"I'm happy to see fishermen's wives who are passionate about improving their skills to earn income. The Minister of PPA and the Banyuwangi Regent will immediately hold training for them," said Puan to Minister Bintang and Regent Ipuk.

At the end of the dialogue, Puan expressed her gratitude to the fishermen who were open to expressing their complaints and ideas.

"I can see firsthand the problems of fishermen in Banyuwangi and of course other areas. That's why I brought the Minister of KKP and members of the DPR so that they can be resolved immediately," said the grandson of the proclaimer Bung Karno.

Before having a dialogue with the fishermen, Puan visited vaccinations for fishermen's families. This former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (PMK) also visited the Mandar Fresh Fish Market.

"This fish market is good, clean, it removes the shabby impression that has been attached to the fish market," he said.

Puan also took the time to talk with the traders at the fish market.

"In addition to buying fish, we can also cook directly and can eat on the spot. This makes the economy roll. Not only fishermen who get income, but rice sellers, vegetable sellers and cooks share in the fortune," he said.

Puan also met with fishing gear craftsmen and tried to knit fishing nets. After that, Puan provided a number of assistance, including packages of seed fishing gear, capital assistance for capture fisheries, and 1,500 fisherman service packages (sembako).