Supporting Fisherman Productivity, KSP Will Discuss Special Solar Prices With The Ministry Of Energy And Mineral Resources

Illustration (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Presidential Chief of Staff (KSP) Moeldoko promised to immediately hold a meeting with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources to discuss the possibility of setting a special price for diesel fuel for fishermen.

"I immediately met with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), because this requires a special policy," said Moeldoko after receiving the United Fishermen's Front (FNB), together with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) and BPH Migas in Jakarta, Wednesday, July 20.

Moeldoko said the productivity of fishermen must be supported.

Therefore, he said, it is not impossible that the government will give special prices to fishermen.

Even so, he admits, it is not easy for the government to provide a special price for industrial diesel because it is related to economic or market prices.

“This fisherman works a lot to support people. The government's program to reduce stunting also requires fish as nutrition. I will work hard and fight to help fishermen get special prices for industrial diesel,” said Moeldoko.

He ensured that the Presidential Staff Office (KSP) would accommodate issues related to the productivity and welfare of fishermen. He gave an example that KSP has initiated an agreement between relevant ministries and institutions with the local government in providing subsidized diesel for fishermen with 30 Gross Tonnage (GT) fishing vessels.

“The agreement was signed in Batam two months ago. We are currently monitoring the follow-up," he said.

During the meeting, the fishermen expressed their objections to the price of industrial diesel which reached Rp. 16,000 per liter. This makes the fishermen's condition even more difficult because currently the price of the fish they catch is decreasing.

One of the fishermen, Riswanto said, with the diesel demand for 100 GT vessels reaching 40 kiloliters for two months, the current price of industrial diesel will burden operational costs.

"With an estimated catch of 50 tons, our calculations are still at a loss. Now, instead of losing, the ship is only propped up or not going to sea. All fishermen and crew are unemployed. We ask the government to issue a special price policy for diesel fuel. industry,” said the fisherman from Tegal, Central Java.

In response to this, the Director of the Downstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Agency (BPH) Patuan Alfon said that the determination of the industrial diesel price of Rp. 16,000 per liter was in accordance with the provisions.

To provide special prices for fishermen with vessels of 100 GT and above, policy intervention is needed.

“Of the 2.6 million kiloliters prepared, 2.2 million are for catching (fishing) and 400,000 kiloliters for cultivation. So far, the supply is still safe,” said Pautan.