KPK Chief Reminds Officials Not To Misuse Fishermen's Welfare Program

Ketua KPK Firli Bahuri/DOK VIA ANTARA

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Firli Bahuri reminded state officials not to deviate from the fishermen's welfare program.

"I remind government officials, including related officials, not to play with the livelihoods of fishermen, especially the rules and welfare programs for our brothers and sisters," said Firli in a written statement, Wednesday, April 6.

Firli the government has made many welfare policies and programs for fishermen. However, not a few of these welfare programs are used as opportunities by state administrators to reap profits by illegal means, namely corruption.

"For example, corruption in the export of lobster seeds, procurement of fishing boats, swapping land for ponds, and so on," said Firli.

He ensured that the KPK and other law enforcement institutions would dismantle all corrupt practices that afflict Indonesian fishermen without exception.

"I assure you that we will pursue, arrest and snare anyone who dares to harass, let alone eat up the state budget for the welfare of Indonesian fishermen, with the article on corruption crimes that carries the most severe punishment. If we have enough strong evidence, we will choose the option of impoverishing the corruptors with the article on money laundering offences." (money laundering)," he said.

Firli considers Indonesian fishermen, especially traditional fishermen who often go to sea in the high seas up to national borders, deserve to be called heroes of the ocean foreign exchange economy, even though there has been no official sign of service as a form of appreciation for them.

"Not only that, fishermen often stop by and stay overnight on the outer islands while sailing for fish, becoming agents of defense for upholding the country's sovereignty and state wealth from marine products because they are informants of foreign ship activities that violate sovereignty, especially illegal fishing activities. ' in the waters of the Republic of Indonesia," he said.

Therefore, Firli considers the Indonesian fishermen as heroes of the defense and sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia.

On that basis, Firli encourages Indonesian fishermen to be appointed as heroes of the ocean's foreign exchange economy, heroes of defense, and national sovereignty.

"God willing, we at the KPK will oversee the entire budget for improving the welfare of fishermen throughout Indonesia from Sabang to Merauke, from Miangas to Rote Island for the welfare and prosperity of the heroes of the ocean foreign exchange economy, heroes of defense and national sovereignty," said Firli.