TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo or Jokowi made a surprising move by revoking the ban against the use of cantrang as a fishing tool after meeting with several representatives of fishermen protesters.
The decision was announced to the protesters gathering in front of the Merdeka Palace. The person who informed the announcement was the initiator of the cantrang-ban itself; the Maritime Affairs and Fishery Minister Susi Pudjiastuti. She said that the ban revocation comes with several requirements.
“I urge you to respect the decision. I do not want to see any illegal cantrang boats that do not have a clear volume diameter,” said Susi on top of a police vehicle parked at the location of the rally on Wednesday, January 17.
Read: Minister Susi, Jokowi Hold Dialog with Fishermen on Cantrang
Besides the saying the announcement, Minister Susi also invited the fishermen to switch to other alternative fishing instruments. She promised that the government will provide assistance in the form of bank loans for those who want to switch to other fishing instruments.
“Everyone must have the will to switch fishing instruments. Do you agree? I will revoke this once again if you disagree. Didn’t you say that you want to take care of Pak Jokowi? He will be rendered with difficulties if you keep on being stubborn,” Minister Susi persuaded.
Separately, Indonesian Fishermen Alliance Spokesman Hadi Santoso said that he appreciated the government’s decision. He said that the two-day rally has been cut to a single day considering that a deal has been met.
ISTMAN MP
