Zulhas Presents Evidence of Prabowo's Support for the Grassroots

The Chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN), Zulkifli Hasan, also known as Zulhas, addressed various issues facing the community, ranging from the condition of fishermen to high financing interest rates for micro-entrepreneurs. He made these remarks in the presence of President Prabowo Subianto during the 29th anniversary of the National Mandate Party (PAN).

Zulhas stated that PAN shares common values with the Prabowo administration, particularly regarding its commitment to supporting small communities. “Only you have spoken about Article 3..’ ,” said Zulhas in his speech. “That is the commitment we hold.”

According to Zulhas, Prabowo’s support for farmers is evident in various government policies, including those related to fertiliser and irrigation. He subsequently requested the representatives of farmers present at the event to stand.

Zulhas noted that despite Indonesia’s vast maritime territory, the economic condition of fishermen remains relatively weak. “Indonesia’s territory is primarily sea. However, our fishermen are in deciles 1 to 4, Sir,” he said.

He compared this condition to the rice farmer exchange rate. According to Zulhas, the rice farmer exchange rate stands at 129, whereas the fishermen’s rate is only 103. “This means that out of 100 units, they only receive 3. Sir, if our fishermen are not assisted, they cannot eat or afford to educate their children. They are suffering,” he stated.

Zulhas also touched upon the issue of illegal fishing in Indonesian waters. He mentioned that Indonesian fishermen still face limitations compared to fishermen from other countries. He cited that the value of fish stolen annually reaches more than Rp 200 trillion, referencing statements from the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries.

“Every year, our fish are stolen, amounting to nearly more than Rp 200 trillion, according to the Minister of Marine Affairs. Why? Because our fishermen are weak,” said Zulhas. “Alhamdulillah, you side with the Indonesian fishermen. You are developing fishing villages and fishermen,” he added.

Zulhas then addressed the issue of women micro-entrepreneurs who receive financing through the Mekaar programme from PT Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM). He noted that financing for underprivileged ultra-micro business groups for women previously incurred relatively high interest rates.

“The financing programme for ultra-micro business groups for underprivileged women using a group model. They were charged an average interest rate of 24 per cent per year,” said Zulhas.

He compared this interest rate to the rates received by large-scale entrepreneurs. “These women are very small entrepreneurs, Sir. Meanwhile, large entrepreneurs receive 9 per cent,” he remarked.

Zulhas then stated that the Prabowo administration has reduced financing interest rates for small and medium enterprises, including the Mekaar programme, to 8%. He believes this policy is a form of the government’s commitment to small business owners.

In addition to fishermen and micro-entrepreneurs, Zulhas also mentioned government policies regarding online motorcycle taxi (ojol) drivers. In front of Prabowo, he stated that the commission fees charged by application providers to ojol drivers have decreased.

“The ojol colleagues, Sir. The application provider’s cut has dropped from 20 per cent to 8 per cent under President Prabowo’s leadership,” said Zulhas.

He assessed that these various policies demonstrate a shared value between PAN and the Prabowo administration in fighting for the interests of the grassroots community.