Governor: Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries allocates IDR 10 trillion to develop the marine sector in NTT

Kupang, NTT (ANTARA) - The Governor of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Melki Laka Lena, stated that the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has allocated a budget of approximately IDR 10 trillion to develop the marine sector in the island-based province.

“Earlier, I met with the Minister of KKP, Mr. Wahyu Trenggono, and discussed the development of the marine sector in NTT,” he said after meeting with the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, in Jakarta on Wednesday.

According to him, in a statement received in Kupang, NTT, the KKP’s support includes the development of the salt industry in several areas such as Rote Ndao, Sabu Raijua, Kupang Regency, and North Central Timor (TTU), as well as the development of ‘Merah Putih’ fishing villages planned to be spread across various regions of NTT.

In addition, the central government is also encouraging large-scale aquaculture and the development of the vannamei shrimp industry in East Sumba Regency.

“The total value of the ongoing and planned programs is estimated to reach IDR 10 trillion,” he said.

Melki said that the program is aimed at supporting national strategic programs (PSN), including efforts to achieve salt self-sufficiency and strengthen the marine sector, in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s commitment.

He added that the KKP is also planning to develop the seaweed industry, strengthen capture fisheries, cultivate shrimp larvae, and carry out conservation in the Sawu Sea.

To ensure readiness and accelerate the implementation of the program, the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries conducted a working visit to several areas in NTT, including Kupang City/Regency, Sikka, East Sumba, and West Manggarai.

Melki admitted that he could not accompany the visit because he was in Jakarta to meet with the Minister of Health to discuss support for specialist doctor education and a joint agenda with the Minister of Housing and the Minister of Home Affairs regarding the affordable housing program in NTT.

“We continue to work together to build NTT with the spirit of ‘Let’s Build NTT’,” he said.