Central Java Provincial Government Strengthens Collaboration to Address Cilacap Residents’ Concerns
Fishermen raised concerns about fuel distribution and quotas for vessels operating in Cilacap, as well as the silting of shipping channels, which is disrupting fishing activities.
Cilacap (ANTARA) — The Central Java Provincial Government is strengthening collaboration with district and central governments to follow up on concerns raised by residents of Cilacap during Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s working visit to the area.
Central Java Regional Secretary Sumarno, who accompanied the Vice-President’s visit, said in Cilacap on Monday that residents had raised a range of issues, including fishermen’s need for fuel, silting in shipping channels, green energy development and land belonging to a foundation run by members of a local community of believers.
He said the visit began with a dialogue with fishermen at the Tegalkatilayu fish auction site.
“At the meeting, fishermen raised concerns about fuel distribution and quotas for vessels operating in Cilacap, as well as the silting of shipping channels, which is disrupting fishing activities,” he said.
He added that one issue was rising fuel demand as more vessels from outside the area entered Cilacap.
He said dredging had been proposed to address the silting, with the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries involved in line with its authority.
After the dialogue with fishermen, the Vice-President and his delegation visited Pertamina Patra Niaga’s Cilacap Refinery Unit to review the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which can be produced from used cooking oil.
“This has enormous potential. The Central Java Provincial Government has previously collected used cooking oil from civil servants. But collection needs to be scaled up, because the production site is in Cilacap,” he said.
He said the provincial government would encourage coordination with district and municipal governments to expand used cooking oil collection down to village level, including through community groups and the Family Welfare Movement (PKK).
He said this would give residents an opportunity to support green energy development while strengthening energy self-sufficiency.
The visit continued with a dialogue with members of a local community of believers in Tritih Lor village, Jeruklegi sub-district. At the meeting, residents raised several issues, including concerns related to foundation land.
Sumarno said the matter had been recorded for coordination with the Cilacap Regency Government. The Central Java Provincial Government was also ready to assist if needed, he added.
“I have already raised this with the acting regent of Cilacap, Ammy Amalia Fatma Surya. Perhaps the matter can first be followed up at regency level. If necessary, the Central Java Provincial Government will help,” he said.
He stressed that the provincial government would follow up on issues within its remit and help coordinate with the central government on matters outside its authority.
“The Vice-President’s main point was that we need to collaborate more. If something falls within the provincial government’s authority, we will act. If it does not, we will help coordinate, encourage and support efforts to make it happen,” the Central Java regional secretary said.