NORTH MALUKU (July 24, 2024) - Kei Besar Island in Southeast Maluku Regency has abundant marine potential. Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini aims to develop this potential to improve the well-being of the Kei Besar community. During the Ministry of Social Affairs' Social Service event in Kei Besar, several social empowerment activities were carried out. The social empowerment approach is considered capable of addressing the employment challenge, which has been a long-standing social issue in Kei Besar.


Minister Risma visited Kei Besar on Wednesday (7/24/2024) and met with local government and community leaders. "Earlier, I had discussions with community leaders and village heads or ohio. We talked about how to address issues, and it turns out our views align, especially on the issue of employment," said Minister Risma.


According to Minister Risma, job opportunities can be created. Kei Besar has marine products that can be developed. Minister Risma tasted dried tuna, which she found delicious. She believes that with proper marketing, Kei Besar's dried tuna has the potential to become a popular culinary product. Minister Risma offered to help sell it to supermarkets and souvenir shops in Java and Bali.


In addition to seafood products, Minister Risma intends to bring in professionals from Lombok and West Nusa Tenggara to cultivate pearls on Kei Besar. "We will create pearls with a specific color blend to differentiate them from other pearls, allowing them to sell at higher prices," explained Minister Risma. Her focus is on finding ways to elevate Kei Besar's potential into sustainable livelihoods.


Minister Risma is also working to address agricultural challenges by providing empowerment assistance. The community is expected to become self-reliant by cultivating existing farmland, which can be used to meet their consumption needs, reducing reliance on supplies from outside the island. One example is coconut, which can be processed into healthier cooking oil.


The Ministry of Social Affairs has provided social empowerment assistance to groups. Agricultural aid includes seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, medicines, equipment, and machinery. Livestock assistance includes laying hens, broiler chickens, and pigs, along with feed and pens. Fisheries have also received attention, with support for seaweed farming, floating net cages, and fishing equipment. There are also industries for coconut oil processing, paper recycling, and fish processing. Various training programs have been conducted, such as tire patching, hair cutting, udeng (square cloth that is intricately tied around the head) sewing, and pearl handicrafts.