West Java DPRD Commission II Pushes for Upgrade of Fishing Port Status
The West Java Provincial Legislative Council (DPRD) Commission II is encouraging the provincial government to accelerate the upgrading of several Fish Landing Bases (PPI) to Coastal Fishing Ports (PPP). This step is considered capable of expanding fisheries activities while improving the welfare of fishermen and increasing locally-generated revenue (PAD).
Deputy Chair of Commission II of the West Java DPRD, Lina Ruslinawati, stated that upgrading the port status to PPP would provide a broader scope of services. The port would not only serve local fishermen but also become a landing site for fishing vessels from various regions.
Lina conveyed this during a working visit by Commission II of the West Java DPRD to the Muara Ciasem Fishing Port Technical Implementation Unit (UPTD) in Indramayu Regency recently. According to Lina, several ports in West Java still hold PPI status, resulting in limited services and fisheries activities. This situation has led some fishing vessels to choose to land their catches outside West Java.
“If the port status is upgraded, West Java’s opportunity to increase fisheries activities will be greater. Catches can be landed at ports in West Java, thereby impacting PAD while facilitating the recording of fisheries production,” Lina said.
She assessed that upgrading the port status would also create a multiplier effect for coastal communities. The arrival of vessels from various regions has the potential to stimulate trade, services, and fish processing businesses. Thus, the port would not only serve as a loading and unloading site for catches but could also develop into a centre of economic activity for coastal communities.
Commission II, Lina stated, would encourage the relevant regional agencies to promptly follow up on the process of submitting the status upgrade for several ports to the central government. This is because the designation of fishing port status falls under the authority of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries.
“We hope the process can be accelerated so that ports in West Java can develop into more modern, productive centres of fisheries activity and provide greater benefits to the community,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Muara Ciasem Fishing Port UPTD, Dendi, mentioned that sedimentation issues are one of the obstacles affecting port operations. The high sedimentation in the estuary area needs to be addressed immediately so that port activities can run more optimally.
Apart from this issue, Dendi hopes that the construction of Dadap Port can be realised soon. The port is planned to be managed by the West Java Provincial Government. According to him, a feasibility study for Dadap Port is already available and is expected to be followed up promptly. The existence of this port is also considered capable of strengthening fisheries services in the coastal area of Indramayu.
“If Dadap Port is realised, its management will be under the West Java Provincial Government. This port can also become a service centre for several surrounding ports, thereby reducing service congestion at existing ports,” Dendi said.
Commission II of the West Java DPRD affirmed that it will oversee the strengthening of marine and fisheries infrastructure. This effort is expected to increase the productivity of the fisheries sector, expand economic activities in coastal areas, improve fishermen’s welfare, and optimise West Java’s locally-generated revenue potential.