TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Edhy Prabowo said he received complaints and suggestions about ship issues during a meeting with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin).

“Someone complained to me that he constructed a boat from abroad and made a huge investment because at that time it was allowed, but then [foreign boat] was banned [for operation], while it was meant for operation at high seas. This complaint, for example, must be responded wisely,” said Edhy in a written statement, Thursday, Oct. 31.

Former Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti previously prohibited the operation of foreign vessels in Indonesian waters through Ministerial Regulation No. 56/2014 on the moratorium on fishing-permit issuance, which took effect on November 3, 2014.

Edhy said that his ministry would further intensify two-way communication with stakeholders of marine and fisheries, and the result would be integrated with the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime and Investment to be reported to the President.

He also pledged to always involve fishermen both individuals and associations in implementing a policy. Thus, Edhy said he was open to suggestions, inputs, and complaints regarding aquaculture, fishing-boat permits, seaweed industry, canning industry, financial industry, etc.

“We will directly listen to all problems from entrepreneurs, especially fishermen, including associations that represent them, aquaculture fishermen, seaweed farmers, and salt farmers. We will seek ways out for their difficulties,” said Edhy Prabowo.

CAESAR AKBAR