BP Taskin Initiates Poverty Alleviation Programme in Galang, Batam
The National Poverty Alleviation Acceleration Agency (BP Taskin) has initiated the SiTaskin Pesisir programme, focusing on poverty eradication in the priority area of Galang District, Batam City, Riau Islands. BP Taskin Deputy Head Iwan Sumule stated that Galang District was selected because it has been designated in the Batam City Regional Poverty Reduction Plan 2025-2029 as a priority area for extreme poverty intervention.
“We appreciate all ministries, agencies, and local governments that have collaborated. Poverty alleviation requires programme synergy so that it can be realised together,” Iwan said during the programme launch in Sembulang Village, Batam, on Tuesday. According to Iwan, the implementation of SiTaskin Pesisir in Batam is synergised with the Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih (KNMP) programme that has been built in Sembulang Village. “Batam is a priority as the first location for SiTaskin Pesisir, with the hope of inspiring other Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih in other regions,” he said.
He explained the cross-ministerial and agency support, such as the Gemarikan (Movement to Popularise Eating Fish) programme from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP). There is also the development of new entrepreneurs for the food processing industry with the Ministry of Industry, as well as the construction of e-Pas Kecil outlets by the KKP. Iwan added that SiTaskin Pesisir is a sustainable programme that not only provides assistance but also ensures every intervention runs effectively through mentoring and supervision by field extension officers.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Didit Herdiawan Ashaf stated his party fully supports the implementation of SiTaskin Pesisir, which is combined with the development of the Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih. “The Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih has been built. Let us work with BP Taskin to improve the welfare of fishermen so that the fisheries sector develops, fishermen’s incomes increase, while also encouraging fish consumption as a source of protein for the community,” he said.
Batam Mayor Amsakar Achmad said the city government is committed to supporting the national programme as part of efforts to reduce poverty and improve the welfare of coastal communities. According to Amsakar, the poverty rate in Batam City has continued to decline, from 4.85 per cent in 2024 to 3.81 per cent in 2025. “The SiTaskin programme demonstrates a shared commitment to reducing poverty and improving community welfare. We hope these concrete programmes will truly reach coastal communities, especially the residents of Tanjung Banun,” he said.