Deputy Minister of PPPA Visits Maluku to Strengthen Role of Coastal Women
Ambon (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) of the Republic of Indonesia, Veronica Tan, conducted a working visit to Maluku Province to strengthen the role of coastal women in supporting the family economy while promoting the protection of women in island regions.
“We want to see first-hand the conditions of women in coastal and island areas, because they make a significant contribution to sustaining the family economy, particularly in the fisheries sector. The government needs to ensure they have better access to economic empowerment, education, and protection,” Veronica Tan said in Ambon on Friday.
During the visit, she observed trading activities at the Laha Village fish market in Teluk Ambon District. She engaged in direct dialogue with fish traders and fisheries business operators to hear the challenges they face in running their businesses and meeting their families’ needs.
According to Veronica, women in coastal areas play a strategic role in the fisheries economic chain, from processing to marketing fishermen’s catches. Therefore, strengthening women’s economic capacity and access is a crucial part of improving the welfare of coastal communities.
“We also want to hear their aspirations directly so that the policies formulated by the government truly address the needs on the ground. Coastal women must be part of inclusive and sustainable development,” she stated.
During the review, Veronica also observed the buying and selling of fishery products, which serve as the main source of livelihood for the local community. The activity was part of the central government’s effort to gain a real picture of the social and economic conditions of coastal communities in Maluku.
After the field visit, Veronica attended the Thousand Islands Women’s Consolidation Forum held at the Education Quality Assurance Agency (BPMP) Hall in Rumah Tiga Village, Ambon City.
Veronica said the forum was important for strengthening synergy between the government, women’s organisations, academics, and civil society in formulating strategic measures that favour women and children, especially in island regions that face geographical challenges and different access to services compared to other areas.
“We hope the collaboration built through this forum can produce various programmes that improve the quality of life for women and children in Maluku and strengthen family resilience in island areas,” she said.
Meanwhile, Maluku Regional Secretary Sadali Ie expressed appreciation for the Deputy Minister’s working visit, calling it an important momentum to reinforce the central government’s attention to various issues concerning women and children in island regions.
According to him, central government support is needed to accelerate women’s empowerment and improve access to protection for women and children in Maluku, a province dominated by island territories.
“This visit is a good opportunity to strengthen synergy between the central and regional governments in realising more inclusive development for women and children in Maluku,” he said.