Musi Banyuasin Fishermen Received Gas Converter Kits

MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES

REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA

PRESS RELEASE

NUMBER: 306.Pers/04/SJI/2020

Date: 19 October 2020

Musi Banyuasin Fishermen Received Gas Converter Kits

A total of 1,036 starter packages for the Conversion Program of Oil Fuels to Gas Fuel for Target Fishermen in Musi Banyuasin Regency, South Sumatra Province, were distributed on Thursday (15/10). These free packages funded by the State Budget are the first received by Musi Banyuasin fishermen in 2020.

The symbolic handover of the starter packages was held at the Pier of the Transportation Service Office of Musi Banyuasin Regency in Sekayu Sub-regency. Those present at the event were Director of Planning and Development of Oil and Gas Infrastructure Alimuddin Baso, Deputy Head of Commission VII of DPR RI M. Alex Noerdin, Regent of Musi Banyuasin Dodi Reza Alex Noerdin, Head of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Service Office of Musi Banyuasin Regency, representatives of PT Pertamina of Musi Banyuasi area and other relevant agencies, and about 100 fishermen who received the starter packages.

This was the first time the fishermen in Musi Banyuasin Regency received the starter packages. Not surprisingly, the fishermen welcomed the distribution happily.

To be eligible for the starter packages, these fishermen must meet the requirements set by the government, namely their fishing boats measure less than 5 GT, use gasoline for fuel, and have a machine output of 13 HP maximum; the fishermen use environmentally friendly fishing gear, have never received converter kits from the government, and have the KuSUKA ID card.

The packages include an engine, converter kit, 2 cylinders of 3 kg- LPG, and other supporting accessories (reducer, regulator, mixer, etc.).

Director of Oil and Gas Infrastructure Planning and Development, Alimuddin Baso, on the occasion said that the distribution of the starter packages is the manifestation of the government's commitment to improve fishermen's welfare.

Ali hopes that the packages which are worth Rp 7 million each can be used and maintained properly by the fishermen. "These are state property which we hand over to the public. Please don't sell them, and use them as fishing gear. These packages are free, and I hope they can improve fishermen's economy," said Ali.

Deputy Head of Commission VII of DPR, M. Alex Noerdin, expressed his apreaciation for the government's effort. "I'd like to thank the Central Government for facilitating, for supporting these fishermen. I hope and believe that these converter packages will offer huge benefit for us," said Alex.

On this occasion, Alex warned the fishermen against using any tools or chemicals that can harm marine ecosystem. "Don't use chemicals or electricity for catching fish. Sanctions will be imposed on those who violate this," he stressed.

On behalf of the fishermen, Regent of Musi Banyuasin, Dodi Reza, expressed his thanks. The conversion will enable the fishermen to save quite a lot of money. Using gasoline at a price of Rp 6,500 per liter with an estimate use of 5 liters per day, a fishermen must spend Rp 975,000 a month for boat operation. However, if the fisherman uses LPG at a price of Rp 18,000 per 3 kgs with an estimate use of 1.2 kg per day, his montly operation cost is only about Rp 240,000. "By using LPG, a fisherman can save Rp 735,000 per month," he explained.

The distribution is the result of cooperation between Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Commission VII of DPR RI, PT Pertamina, and the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Service Office of Regencies/Cities. The distribution budget was initially shifted for Covid-19 handling. However, Commission VII of DPR RI brought back the subject so that budget refocusing was then conducted at Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources because the conversion program directly affects the public, in this case, fishermen.

The Covid-19 pandemic has also posed a challenge in the distribution of converter kits. To prevent the virus from spreading, people attending the distribution must obey health protocol such as wearing face masks, maintaining safe physical distance, and have their body's temperature taken.

The Conversion from Oil Fuels to Gas Fuel for Target Fishermen has been conducted since 2016. Until 2019, the government has distributed 60,859 packages in 93 regencies/cities.

In 2020, as many as 25,000 converter kit packages will be distributed to Target Fishermen in 42 regencies/cities, while in 2021, the plan is to distribute 28,000 packages in 20 provinces. (IY)

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

Agung Pribadi (08112213555)

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