Jembrana Regency Hopes International Fishing Port Will Boost Local Revenue
Jembrana, Bali - The Jembrana Regency Government in Bali hopes that the existence of the international fishing port, which has commenced construction, will boost local original revenue (PAD).
This hope for increased PAD was expressed by the Regent of Jembrana, I Made Kembang Hartawan, during the groundbreaking ceremony for the fishing port in Pengambengan Village, Negara District, on Tuesday.
“We hope that the development of the Pengambulating Fish Landing Base (PPN) into an international fishing port will not only drive the economy but also boost our local original revenue,” he stated during the event, which was attended by the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono.
Regarding the economy, he requested that the construction process involve the local community, both as a workforce and as suppliers of building materials.
“We ask that local potential be utilised, from labour to local material suppliers who meet the criteria. In this way, regional potential can be accommodated, and the community can feel the impact from the very beginning and feel a sense of ownership over this project,” he said.
According to him, the construction of this international fishing port has been advocated for since 2019, and he expressed his gratitude to the central government, particularly the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, for realising this national strategic project.
On that occasion, he also raised concerns from fishermen regarding sedimentation or the shallowing of the entrance and exit of the docking basin, which is severely disrupting fishing activities.
“We propose that the initial work involves dredging the entrance to the docking basin. This step is urgent because shallowing due to sedimentation is obstructing the movement of fishing boats,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, stated that local human resources must be involved, including in the future operation of the port.
“The required workforce is predicted to be around 25,000 people. I request that the Governor and the Regent establish a polytechnic here. Therefore, the people working here should ideally be Balinese,” he said.
He also reaffirmed his commitment that the construction of the international fishing port, with a budget of IDR 1.2 trillion, will be carried out comprehensively, thoroughly, and in an integrated manner.
In addition to the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries and his staff, the groundbreaking was also attended by the Governor of Bali, Wayan Koster.