Indonesia opens Bintan fish plant to boost local economic growth
He implied that the fish plant aligns with the Red and White Fishing Villages (KNMP) program introduced by President Prabowo Subianto as a priority initiative to empower the national fishery sector from its upstream to downstream.
“The main hurdle we face in the fisheries sector lies not in the downstream but in the upstream, where problems persist. The government, therefore, is working to improve the upstream through the development of fishing villages,” Trenggono remarked in Bintan.
He urged local officials in charge of marine affairs and fisheries to proactively support the KNMP program so fishermen can gain tangible benefits from the province’s highly valuable fisheries sector.
Citing the president’s directive for fair, equitable development nationwide, the minister pledged to ensure that the region’s marine potential delivers maximum benefits to local communities, restricting business players from Java from exploiting it.
Accompanying the minister, Riau Islands Governor Ansar Ahmad welcomed the fish processing factory operated by PT Bintan Intan Gemilang, voicing optimism that its presence will raise the selling value of fishery products and strengthen the local economy.
“The regional government truly welcomes investment in developing the fish processing industry like this, as it will help absorb fishermen’s catches, create jobs, and reinforce the province’s downstreaming efforts in the fisheries sector,” he said.
Ahmad added that the plant is expected to support the province’s goal of reaffirming its position as a national fish powerhouse.
He also voiced support for the KNMP program, describing it as a platform for collaboration with the central government to elevate the welfare of coastal communities across the province.
Trenggono and Ahmad inaugurated the factory, which spans 3.4 hectares, with one-third of the complex currently operational. Located about one kilometer from a container port, the facility is positioned strategically for exports.
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Translator: Ogen, Tegar Nurfitra