556 Converter Kits Distributed, Semarang Fishermen Save Fishing Cost

MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA

PRESS RELEASE

NUMBER: 691.Pers/04/SJI/2019

Date: 3 December 2019

556 Converter Kits Distributed, Semarang Fishermen Save Fishing Cost

The government program of distributing oil fuel to gas fuel converter kits for artisanal fishermen is intended to save fishing cost. The saving will soon be enjoyed by fishermen of Semarang City who have received 556 units of 3 kg LPG converter kits.

"If we use LPG, the sea will be much cleaner and automatically there will be more fish. Fishermen income will rise. The money you save from the fishing cost can be used for other needs," explained Secretary of Directorate General of Oil and Gas, Iwan Prasetya Adhi, when he distributed these converter kits at the Fish Auction Market (TPI) Mangunharjo, Monday (2/12).

In addition to TPI Mangunharjo where 205 converter kits are distributed, Iwan continues, distribution is carried out at another distribution point, namely Tambakmulyo of 351 units. "The distribution of the starter kits of Oil Fuel to Gas Fuel Conversion for Fishermen is the first for fishermen of Semarang City. The fishermen who receive these kits must meet certain conditions. If any of the conditions are not met, you cannot be a candidate," he said.

Fishermen's improved welfare after they use the converter kits is also an expectation of Deputy Mayor of Semarang Hevearita Gunaryanti Rahayu. Therefore, Hevearita asks the fishermen to take care of the kits. "These tools are very expensive, they're Rp 8.5 million per unit. You don't have to pay for anything, they're directly given (for free). Please take care of them, don't sell them," she requested.

Hevearita also requests that the program should be continued and kits are given to other parts of Semarang which have not received any converter kits. "I'd like to thank the National Government for its concern for Semarang City. I hope next time, we'll get additional or new innovations so that people will be more comfortable," she said.

As a follow up to the distribution of LPG converter kits, PT Pertamina has expressed its commitment to add supply by 5,600 cylinders of 3 kg LPG.

"For supply, referring to the information from DG O&G, a fisherman generally needs 10 cylinders per month. The total number of fishermen in Semarang City receiving the converter kits is 556 people. For this December, we'll add about 5,600 cylinders at 8 stations located at coastal area. This way, fishermen will find it easy to buy LPG," explained Sales Branch Manager 1 Semarang of PT Pertamina (Persero), Alam Kanda.

The government via Ministry of EMR has distributed 13,305 units of 3-kg LPG converter kits in 2019. In 2020, as many as 40,000 units will be distributed to fishermen in 26 provinces. (IY)

Head of Bureau of Communication, Public Information Services, and Cooperation

Agung Pribadi (08112213555)

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