MoSA Develops a Tunnel System to Increase Salt Production in Klungkung

Through the Directorate General of Social Empowerment, the Ministry of Social Affairs continues to make efforts to empower the community, one of which is by distributing Social Entrepreneurship Program (ProKUS) assistance

KLUNGKUNG (17 July 2022) - The Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) launched the Social Entrepreneurship Program (ProKUS) for salt farmers in Kusamba Village, Klungkung, Bali to increase production, by providing tunnel system assistance. This is intended so that salt farmers remain empowered both in the dry and rainy seasons. Traditional farmers, in general, will drain seawater into pond bunds to dry and produce salt crystals. In the rainy season, this process will be constrained, causing farmers to be unable to produce salt.

Meanwhile, the tunnel system is formed by utilizing existing land and adding storage containers with the help of geo-isolators and covers. Then it was arranged like tunnels as an alternative way to produce salt. This system can help salt farmers continue to produce, even though it is raining.

The program is a collaboration between the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Institut Teknologi Sepuluh November (ITS). ProKUS not only provides working capital but also assistance to develop the business.

Director General of Social Empowerment Edi Suharto, accompanied by Director of Social Empowerment Arif Nahari and Director of Empowerment of Remote Indigenous Communities (KAT) and Social Entrepreneurship Juena Br. Sitepu appreciated the collaboration and ITS support in providing assistance and empowerment for salt farmers in Kusamba Village. He hoped that the assistance to create a salt field with a tunnel system will have a positive impact on people's welfare.

 "It is hoped that the strategy to increase salt production, marketing and cooperation in building a sustainable business ecosystem will have a positive impact and increase the welfare of beneficiaries and the surrounding community," he said during the ProKUS socialization activity at the Klungkung Regent's Office.

Meanwhile, the Director of Research and Community Service, as ITS representative, together with the Chairman of the Salt Farmers Group 'Sarining Segara' in Kusamba Village, who was also present, signed the Hand-over Minutes of ProKUS for the group of salt farmers, in the form of tunnel salt fields. The signing was witnessed by the Director General of Social Empowerment and the Regent of Klungkung.

On the same occasion, the Regent of Klungkung I Nyoman Suwirta appreciated the assistance provided by the Ministry of Social Affairs for the empowerment of salt farming communities in his area. The tunnel construction, said the Regent, was beneficial in increasing the quality and quantity of salt production for salt farmer groups.

"I hope that in the future, Kusamba Village salt production will be able to compete in the market and have an impact on improving the economy, as well as the welfare of the people of Kusamba Village," he hoped.

This activity was attended by representatives of the Regional Apparatus Organization (OPD) of Klungkung Regency, the 'Sarining Segara' Salt Farmers of Kusamba Village and representatives from ITS.