Minister Trenggono distributes food stabilisation rice to fishermen in East Lombok
East Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA) - Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono distributed subsidised rice under the Government’s Food Supply and Price Stabilisation (SPHP) programme to fishermen in Ekas Buana village, Jerowaru sub-district, East Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara.
Trenggono distributed the 5-kilogram rice packages whilst engaging in dialogue with fishermen present during an inspection of the progress of the Red and White Fishermen Village (KNMP) Ekas Buana development in East Lombok on Friday (27 February).
“Is everyone fasting?” Trenggono asked the fishermen. “I’ve brought gifts with me - rice, which you can take home. And later, besides the rice, there will be money for side dishes,” Trenggono said.
The SPHP rice was packaged in five-kilogram units and handed directly to representatives of the fishermen present at the event.
During the Ramadan atmosphere, Trenggono greeted the fishermen and asked whether they were all observing the fasting ritual before distributing the assistance.
He mentioned that his visit brought gifts in the form of rice that could be taken home, as well as additional money for family meal provisions.
Simple questions about happiness were met with unanimous responses from fishermen who expressed gratitude for government attention to their situation.
Trenggono acknowledged that he had actually wanted to organise a communal meal with the fishermen, but postponed the plan because the visit occurred during Ramadan. He promised to return when not fasting to eat together with all the fishermen as a form of solidarity and moral support.
Beyond distributing assistance, he reiterated the importance of maintaining the Red and White Fishermen Village facilities to ensure sustained benefits.
“Please ensure that this (KNMP Ekas Buana) is truly able to provide benefits for all of you,” Trenggono said.
Ahmad Suwandi, a fisherman from Ekas Buana village, expressed happiness at receiving the SPHP rice distributed by Minister Trenggono during the visit to his village.
He said the assistance felt special because direct distribution like this was rare, particularly when provided during Ramadan to hundreds of local fishermen.
“Yes, we are happy - very happy because such assistance is uncommon. We really are delighted,” Suwandi said.
He received one sack of rice in 5-kilogram packaging as well as money for side dishes to break the fast with his family.
According to him, the assistance lightens the burden of household needs, especially during Ramadan expenses. Suwandi works daily as a fishing boat operator as well as a lobster farmer.
Based on data from the National Food Agency (Bapanas), SPHP rice is government-subsidised rice designed to maintain food price stability in the market.
Sales of the commodity comply with the maximum retail price (HET) set by the government: IDR12,500 per kilogramme for zone 1 (Java, Lampung, South Sumatra, Bali, West Nusa Tenggara, Sulawesi); IDR13,100 per kilogramme for zone 2 (Sumatra excluding Lampung and South Sumatra, East Nusa Tenggara, Kalimantan); and IDR13,500 per kilogramme for zone 3 (Maluku, Papua).