TEMPO.CO, Yogyakarta - Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Edhy Prabowo said the polemic against the plan on the export of lobster seeds will not stop him, moreover if the ongoing study shows that it is beneficial for the people.

“Let alone being sunk, I will be ready if I am shot in the head because I believe that [export] is for the public interest,”

The term 'sinking' was popularized by former minister of maritime affairs and fisheries Susi Pudjiastuti following her ship-sinking policy. Susi is recently active in criticizing her successor’s plan. Back when she was serving as the minister, such export was prohibited under a ministerial decree No. 1 of 2015.

Edhy underlined that the export plan aimed to maintain the livelihood of people who depends on lobster seeds. “Those who reject [the idea] do not know the real content and problem. They only follow the majority view,” he added.

However, the ministry does not overlook various criticisms and suggestions about the matter as the government is still on that and does not spend any cost, Edhy mentioned.

“We are still hearing [inputs] and prepare the regulation, and have not intervened the state budget. Even though in the future we will earmark a budget for the infrastructure to facilitate the breeding.”

Edhy Prabowo went on to say that the plan to allow export of lobster seeds was brought up from grassroots, and so his side as the government was still mulling over it. He also called on the people to not make a fuss about it if they are uncertain about the fact in light of the export.

PRIBADI WICAKSONO