VP Gibran meets farmers, fishermen to address key challenges
While opening the National Farmers and Fishermen Week (PENAS) XVII in Gorontalo District, Gorontalo Province, he invited several farmers and fishermen onto the stage to voice their aspirations directly.
On that occasion, Gibran took notes on issues critical to their livelihoods, notably the accessibility of diesel fuel, irrigation improvements, and the need for proper rice drying and milling facilities.
“I want ministers, deputy ministers, and all aides here to immediately follow up on these matters,” he said.
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The vice president particularly called on Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman to look into all the concerns raised before the closing of PENAS XVII, which President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to attend. The event will run through June 25.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to mobilizing all relevant ministries and agencies to advance and oversee measures directed toward achieving food self-sufficiency.
In this regard, he lauded the agriculture minister for consolidating 145 overlapping regulations to ease access to subsidized fertilizer for farmers nationwide.
Furthermore, Gibran pointed to the development of fertilizer factories and feedstock facilities in several regions, including Palembang, Gresik, Bontang, and Lhokseumawe.
He specifically hailed the pivotal roles of the Coordinating Ministry for Food Affairs, the Agriculture Ministry, and the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries in strengthening food security while elevating the welfare of farmers and fishermen.
The responsibility to “find solutions to the problems faced by farmers and fishermen” also rests with these institutions, he added.
PENAS XVII is a massive forum bringing together around 13,000 farmers and fishermen from across Indonesia.
Several state officials also attended the opening, including Deputy Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, Agriculture Minister Sulaiman, Deputy Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Didit Herdiawan Ashaf, Transportation Deputy Minister Suntana, and Indonesian Quarantine Agency (Barantin) Head Abdul Kadir Karding.
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Translator: Prisca T, Tegar Nurfitra