NTB Provincial Government proposes seasonal distribution of subsidised fuel for fishermen

The NTB Provincial Government has proposed aligning the distribution of fuel oil (BBM) for fishermen with the fishing season to prevent shortages similar to those experienced in Lombok Timur Regency. The head of the NTB Energy and Mineral Resources Service (ESDM), Samsudin, said that the current practice of equal monthly distribution does not align with fishermen’s activity patterns which are heavily influenced by weather. In certain months there are times when fishermen do not go to sea, yet the quota remains the same. Going forward, the BBM distribution process must be adjusted, he said, in Mataram on Friday. Fuel distributed without regard to the season leads to distribution that does not meet real needs on the ground, causing unrest among fishermen. Samsudin noted that when fishing seasons and maritime activity increase, BBM distribution should be increased by the operator. Conversely, when fishermen’s activity declines due to bad weather, BBM distribution can be reduced temporarily. He recounted the problem of fishermen’s fuel shortages in Lombok Timur caused by the distribution mechanism and administrative constraints. One of the main issues on the ground is disruptions to the XStar application used to input data for recipients of the fishermen’s subsidised fuel quotas, which is currently under repair. The NTB ESDM Office, together with the HSNI NTB (Himpunan Nelayan Seluruh Indonesia) has discussed the matter with Pertamina, the operator distributing subsidised BBM for fishermen. Samsudin said they have proposed there be discretion for fishermen who have not completed administrative requirements to still obtain subsidised BBM to go to sea. “We will promptly consult with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) and BPH Migas regarding discretion for fishermen who do not yet meet the required prerequisites, because they must go to sea,” he said.