Total amount of the assistance from Ministry of Social Affairs in Gresik
as much as Rp1.3 billion
GRESIK (October 23rd, 2022) – Ministry of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini
visited Bale Purbo in Gresik Regency East Java to distributes boat engine for
some groups of fishermen. This assistance is the realization of the President
and Social Affairs Minister’s previous visit in Gresik on April 20th, 2022.
“This is the follow-up from the President’s some time ago. Some fisherman asked
about boat machine assistance for them. Therefore, we respond to this because we want to make their life better,” said Risma in Bale Purbo, Gresik, Saturday (22/10).
84 unit engine with 11 horsepower and basic food packages were distributed to
7 groups of fishermen in Kelurahan Lumpur and Kroman, that consists of Metoko
group, Balai Pesusukan, Balai Gede, Balai Purbo, Balai Wonorejo, Balai Keling,
and Balai Cilik.
On this occasion, some fishermen attended this event said that the fish price was
very low while the fish catch was very high. On the other hand, when the west
wind season and fish catches are low, fishermen do not get any results even
though they have been at sea for days. Therefore, so many fishermen in Lumpur
and Kroman have a bank credit with interest rates reached 25% per 4 months.
Responding to this problem, Social Affairs Minister initiates to provide an
empowerment program for the housewives to process the fish becomes a product to
be sold.
“When it is time to harvest, they don’t have to sell all of the fish. Some fish
can be produced to be sold. And you should make it more expensive, sir,” said
Risma.
Risma motivated some fishermen and directly contact Aminah, ex Semanggi selling
in Surabaya. Before, Aminah has Rp150 thousands turnover per day. After joining
the empowerment program, her turnover becomes higher even Rp 5 million per day.
Risma also encouraged the fisherman to build a cooperative shop. She said that
the cooperative shop interest will not be as high as bank. The amount should be
agreed by the member in Yearly Member Meeting or Rapat Anggota Tahunan (RAT).
While, the Gresik Regent, Fandi Akhmad Yani agree with the Minister’s recommendation.
He thinks that empowering housewives and building cooperative can keep the
result of fish catch and added a value for the fisherman. On the other side,
this cooperative can be a source of their income to buy fuel and meals for
fishing.
Eko Juliono (34th), the representative of merged group of fishermen in Lumpur
and Kroman (Gapokan) explained that he agreed with this idea.
“I’m agree with it, because there is no cooperative yet for fisherman. I hope
this can realized as soon as possible so that the fisherman can be more
prosperous and we can have a chance to get into the industry,” said Eko.
In Lumpur and Kroman, there are 1.600 fishermen with around 800 boats. The
result of their fishing, such as Kuro Fish, Dorang Fish, and White Kakap Fish,
which has quality export. However, the price was low from the agent. The
fishermen income is around Rp 50 thousand per day.
This condition makes the Minister wants to boost the community income through
empowerment program and cooperative. Minister also asked the Regent to
coordination with the related fisherman group about empowerment model that will
be developed.
“We will coordinate with the Regent about the form. If it is consistent, I
believe that the goal will be achieved,” said Risma.
Public Relation Bureau
Ministry of Social Affairs