The Ombudsman Has Reminded Edhy Prabowo Of Exporting Lobster Seeds: That Is Not The Way To Manage The Country!

Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Edhy Prabowo. (Photo: KKP)

JAKARTA - Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Edhy Prabowo was reportedly arrested by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on Wednesday, November 25 this morning. This has also been confirmed by KPK Deputy Chairman Nurul Ghufron.

He said that Edhy Prabowo was arrested at Soekarno-Hatta Airport at 01.23 when he was with his family after getting off the plane from the United States. According to Nurul Ghufron, this arrest was made because of alleged corruption related to the export of lobster fries or seeds.

This arrest is somewhat surprising. However, this is not the case either, because several months ago, the issue of lobster seed export has indeed drawn criticism from several parties because it is considered to be full of interests.

The Ombudsman of the Republic of Indonesia stated that the Regulation of the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (Permen KP) Number 12 of 2020 concerning the management of lobsters, crabs and small crab which was signed by Edhy Prabowo on May 4 2020 is considered to be detrimental to fishermen and to damage cultivation.

Then, rumors emerged that there was a game in determining which companies were granted export licenses and that there was no transparency. The Ombudsman and a number of parties assessed that the implementation of the Permen has the potential to cause unfair competition.

Ombudsman member Alamsyah Saragih assessed that the implementation of the Permen was high risk in terms of administrative accountability. Moreover, he said, there is a potential for fraud in these exports.

"Because the determination is limited in nature, it will potentially conflict with the principles of fair business competition," said Alamsyah in a statement received by VOI, Monday, June 8, 2020.

Alamsyah continued, the government's political promise to increase local added value in the supply chain must be a reference. He questioned Minister Edhy Prabowo's commitment to this matter. Regulations concerning many people and the future of Indonesia's natural resources, he continued, should be formulated in a more participatory manner. This principle is fundamental to state administration.

The Ombudsman also suggested that the Ministerial Regulation be reviewed more deeply. The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, he stressed, should not only calculate profit and loss.

"That's not the way to run the country," he said.

The Ombudsman reminded the government to act transparently in appointing exporters. Do not let those who are elected tonight, those who were previously involved in smuggling lobsters and their seeds, are chosen instead.

On the other hand, there is also news that in implementing this Permen, there is an obligation to export through certain companies that are widely reported to be affiliated, with non-standard shipping rates for lobster fry. The calculation for the shipment of fry is not calculated based on the standard of shipment, but is determined at Rp. 2,300 per fry. There is also an obligation from the designated fishing land. Against all these rumors, the Ombudsman emphasized, integrity must be applied.

"Just imprison the smuggler," he said.

Threats to Fishermen

Secretary General of the People's Coalition for Fisheries Justice (KIARA), Susan Herawati, assessed that Permen KP 12/2020 is a victory for investors, exporters and importers. This regulation poses a threat to the livelihood of fishermen, the sustainability of fishery resources, and the national economy.

"The Permen KP 12/2020 is very pro-investor and exporter, and betrays small and traditional fishermen," said Susan.

According to him, the regulation signed by Minister Edhy states that small fishermen must be registered in the fishermen group at the lobster seed catching location, and small fishermen who catch lobster seeds are stipulated by the Directorate General of Capture Fisheries.

"The question is, does the KKP (Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries) have data on the number and distribution of all small fishing groups in Indonesia?" he said.

So, said Susan, this Permen KP 12/2020 clearly threatens the lives of fishermen.

"We noted that the price of lobster seeds in Vietnam is Rp. 139,000 per head. Meanwhile, lobster seeds that fishermen catch are only valued at Rp. 3,000-Rp. 5,000 domestically. This is a portrait of injustice that will continue to threaten the lives of lobster fishermen," he explained.

Susan is worried that the existence of this Regulation of the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Regulations 12/2020 will actually provide opportunities for certain investors and exporters to flirt. For that, law enforcers must anticipate it.

"Of course (there is a gap to play for investors), that's why it must be anticipated. But seeing the KPK weakened is also hard," he said.