Fisheries Minister makes Indonesia's 81st Independence Day a momentum to safeguard marine resources
Kendari (ANTARA) - Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono has made the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia a momentum to safeguard the security, sovereignty and sustainability of national marine resources as a key pillar of food security and public welfare.
Speaking in Konawe on Monday, Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono said that stewardship of the marine sector is not merely about protecting territorial boundaries, but about protecting the nation’s source of life through the strengthening of six national priority work programmes.
“Protecting the sea is not just about protecting territory, but also about protecting the source of life and the future of the nation. We want fish to be not only a source of food for the nation’s protein self-sufficiency, but also a better source of livelihood for fishermen, fish farmers and coastal communities,” said Sakti Wahyu while leading the Independence Day ceremony at the Merah Putih Fishermen’s Village in Sorue Jaya Village, Soropia District, Konawe Regency, Southeast Sulawesi.
“These six priority programmes have one goal, namely to strengthen food production, create jobs, increase added value and improve people’s welfare,” he said.
Sakti Wahyu said that his ministry has recorded tangible results from the Merah Putih Fishermen’s Village in Papua, where almost 90 percent of the population depends on fisheries, yet fishermen’s incomes remain below the provincial minimum wage.
“In operational trials, the integrated area successfully produced and shipped up to 8 tonnes of export-quality fish to other cities,” he noted.
To safeguard the sustainability of marine resources and the priority programmes, the ministry has deployed a fleet of patrol vessels, including Patrol Vessel Orca 01, Orca 04, Orca 05, Orca 06, Patrol Vessel Paus 01, Patrol Vessel Hiu Macan Tutul 01, as well as Hiu 13, Hiu 14 and Hiu 15.
On the occasion, the minister also expressed deep condolences over the earthquake that struck East Nusa Tenggara on Saturday (15/8).
“Since the first day of the disaster, the ministry has taken swift action by forming a special team, establishing a disaster response post, coordinating with relevant agencies, and collecting donations and logistical assistance,” said Sakti Wahyu.
He called on all elements of society and ministry staff to continue working together to channel assistance throughout the emergency response period until post-disaster recovery in East Nusa Tenggara is completed.