The Vice President Releases Exports of 1.4 Tons of Biak Tuna to Japan

Photo via Antara

JAKARTA - Vice President Ma'ruf Amin released 1.4 tons of tuna exports from the Integrated Marine Fisheries Center (SKPT) in Biak, Papua to Japan.

"Export of fresh tuna from Biak to Japan and frozen types to America", said Vice President Ma'ruf Amin after releasing fish exports in Biak which took place at the Fish Processing Unit (UPI) of PT Pelindo Pelabuhan Biak, Friday, December 2, reported by Antara.

Ma'ruf Amin admitted that the potential for tuna caught by fishermen groups in the Biak Numfor Regency area is very large to support export activities in the area.

However, according to the Vice President, the problem lies in, among other things, the limited flight capacity which is still insufficient to support export activities, especially because the schedule for export shipments by airplane only takes place once a week via Biak-Jakarta to Narita Japan.

"In the future, the government will try to add direct flight routes from Biak Numfor so that it supports fish exports abroad", said the Vice President.

He hopes that the opening of direct flight routes from Biak to destination countries can increase the volume of tuna exports from Biak to Japan and the United States (US).

Previously, Vice President Ma'ruf Amin also handed over 45 boats and fishing equipment to several fishermen groups from indigenous Papuans.

"Fishermen's families are heroes because they have donated foreign exchange to the country by providing fish raw materials for export", said Ma'ruf Amin.

The Vice President hopes that the assistance of the boat fleet can support fishermen's operations for fishing and increase production.

Several officials who witnessed the release of fish exports from Biak included Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Jhon Wempi Wetipilo, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, Regent of Biak Herry A.Naap, Deputy Regent Calvin Mansnembra and Acting Regional Secretary ZR Mailoa.