Minister Risma Hands Over 51 5 GT Fishing Boats to Improve Fishermen's Income in Bangka Belitung Islands

SUNGAILIAT (July 4, 2023) - Minister of Social Affairs, Tri Rismaharini, recently handed over 51 units of 5GT fishing boats to deserving fishermen in Bangka Regency and South Bangka Regency. This initiative aims to be hailed as a commendable initiative by the minister, meant for enhancing the production capabilities of fishermen while simultaneously addressing the issue of poverty.

According to available data, it is evident that communities reliant on fishing have unfortunately transformed into poverty-stricken enclaves, mirroring the plight faced by farmers and small-scale microenterprises. While in fact, the vast potential of the sea holds promise for enhancing the economic prosperity of fishermen in Bangka and South Bangka.

"Bangka Belitung is an island province, and I believe the seafood is still quite nice, so it has to be optimized. That is why I offer to give boats to fishermen," she said after donating a boat in Kampung Natak, Lingkungan Nelayan 1, Sungailiat on Thursday (4/7).

The Minister Risma's boats, constructed with fiberglass, boast cutting-edge features such as GPS navigation systems and a robust machine capacity of 30 HP (horsepower). The vessel can navigate through the water at a velocity of 8 knots. A boat measuring 10x1.85x0.82 meters can accommodate a maximum load of 2 tons of fish, according to reports.

Minister Risma recently revealed her intention of purchasing a fish caller device to decrease the burden on fishermen by eliminating the need for extensive fish searching. "So the goal is to save fuel because fish will come by themselves. You don’t have to look for the fish," she remarked.

A total of 51 boats have been successfully distributed across four key locations in the Bangka region. These locations include Sungailiat and Belinyu in Bangka Regency, as well as Lepar Pongok and Toboali in South Bangka Regency. The boats were meticulously crafted on land, with skilled fishermen involved in the fabrication process. It is reported that the cumulative worth of the boats amounts to IDR 13.2 billion.

In front of the boat recipients, Minister Risma warned the fishermen not to sell the boat, emphasizing the importance of preserving it for future generations. In addition, the former mayor of Surabaya has urged the local government to establish a cooperative for fishermen, with the primary objective of safeguarding them against illegal debt practices and regulating the pricing of seafood products.

"This cooperative, indeed, is in the form of savings and loans. In the future, we can ensure that no one can control the price but the cooperative. We all agree that we can control the price so that their lives can be stable," she stated.

Firdaus, one of the recipients, expressed his astonishment upon receiving the boat, as he had not expected to be gifted a 5GT boat. In a surprising turn of events, the individual had anticipated acquiring a modest vessel, mainly to be taken aback by the sheer magnitude of a 2-ton boat that awaited him. "We did not expect this boat to come to us, we thought it was small. It is way bigger and decent," he said.

As a boat crew member, he diligently served on multiple boats under the employ of others. To compensate the boat owner, he was obliged to divide the profits, resulting in a modest earning of approximately IDR 100K per fishing expedition.

"Now, equipped with my very own vessel, I anticipate a substantial increase in my earnings by a factor of four. Thank you, Minister Risma" he expressed.

Several officials were in attendance at the event, including Rudianto Tjen, a Member of the House of Representatives from Bangka, Suganda Pandapotan Pasaribu, the Acting Governor of Bangka Belitung, Syahbudin, the Deputy Regent of Bangka, Riza Herdavid, the Regent of South Bangka, Debby Vita Dewi, the Deputy Regent of South Bangka, and various other officials.