Minister Susi Emphasized Importance of Oceanic Rights Enforcement

Jakarta, 19 Shawal 1438/13 July 2017 (MINA) – Minister of Marine and Fisheries Affairs (KKP) Susi Pudjiastuti stressed the importance of enforcing Ocean Rights, so, every citizen has an obligation to maintain the resources in national waters.

“We think that the sea and its contents are the object. So, it raises the tendency of exploitation of natural resources for short-term interests,” Minister Susi said in Jakarta on Tuesday. Antaranews reported.

Susi explained, with the recognition of ocean rights it has consequences of punishment in case of violation of those rights.

She argues that taking care the sea as a legal subject by imposing punishment on humans or corporations that violate the rights of the sea gives hope for the life of the next generation.

The efforts which made by the KKP have been fruitful, such as the exchange rate of fishermen (NTN) which has increased since 2014 (104.63) until 2016 (108.24).

In addition, starting from 2014, Indonesia’s fish commodity trade is  above Thailand for the first time since 2009

“In 2014 the value of Indonesian fish commodities is approximately $ 4 billion, while Thailand recorded less than $ 4 billion,” she said.

According to her, these show the benefits of eradicating fish theft toward country’s economic condition.

Meanwhile, marine and fisheries observer, Abdul Halim said traditional or small fishermen who scattered in various regions need increasing access to develop fisheries sector in the country.

“Connecting upstream and downstream in fisheries sector provides business certainty for fishermen, including capital affairs,” said Abdul Halim.

According to him, increased access to capital will greatly assist the fishermen in developing their business and improve the welfare of their families.

While at the economic level, the CTF is assessed to be able to connect the management of fish resources from upstream to downstream so as to improve the welfare of fishermen’s life.

Previously, chambers of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) also wanted the banks to enlarge the financing facilities such as in the form of credit for investment in the fishery sector. (T/P2/RE1)

 

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)