Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka visited Margasari Village in Lampung on Friday to engage with shrimp farmers and fishermen. The visit served as a review of the Red and White Fishermen’s Village (KNMP) and a means to gather direct aspirations from coastal communities.
Modernizing Coastal Production
During the visit, the Vice President inspected several key supporting facilities. These included a portable ice factory, a portable cold storage facility and a fishermen’s fuel station (SPBN).
Gibran emphasized that the development of the KNMP is intended to transform traditional fishing villages into integrated, modern, and productive areas. He urged the community to maximize these services so they can focus on increasing production output and generating greater added value.
Addressing Sectoral Hurdles
The dialogue provided a platform for coastal workers to voice specific challenges. Fishermen highlighted critical issues regarding licensing for fishing fleets and diesel fuel quotas.
In response, Gibran assured the community that the government would follow up promptly on these obstacles. “If there are shortcomings related to licensing, diesel fuel quotas, or other matters, please convey them immediately,” he stated.
Path Toward Food Self-Sufficiency
The Vice President linked these local efforts to the broader priority programs of President Prabowo Subianto, specifically the goal of achieving food self-sufficiency.
Gibran noted that government action alone is insufficient for such a large-scale objective. “This program will not succeed if only the government works on it. We all must work together,” he remarked.
While acknowledging existing deficiencies in the agriculture and fisheries sectors, the Vice President stated that the government continues to strive for increased public welfare and productivity, asking for time to gradually address shortcomings.
Looking ahead, the government may continue expanding these integrated village models to other regions, as seen with similar efforts to build ports and cold storage in Papua to push fish exports. This strategy could potentially support President Prabowo’s target of boosting welfare for 6 million fishermen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of the Red and White Fishermen’s Village (KNMP)?
The KNMP is designed to transform fishing villages into productive, modern, and integrated areas that provide greater added value for the local community.
What specific concerns did the fishermen raise during the dialogue?
Fishermen raised issues concerning diesel fuel quotas and the licensing of fishing fleets.
What infrastructure did Vice President Gibran review in Lampung?
He reviewed a fishermen’s fuel station (SPBN), a portable cold storage facility, and a portable ice factory.
Do you believe integrated infrastructure is the most effective way to achieve national food self-sufficiency?
