TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The vice presidential hopeful Sandiaga Uno on Thursday, Oct. 25 visited the fish auction area (TPI) in Tegalsari, Tegal. Sandiaga came along with Sudirman Said, the former minister of energy and mineral resources (ESDM).

The fishers delivered complaints to the candidate number 02 who was supported by Gerindra Party, Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), National Mandate Party (PAN), and Democratic Party.

One of the fishers named Sumarso said several government regulations beset the fishing operations. “Including the fishing permit issuance that takes a long time, and we ask the use of cantrang [trawl to catch fish]. Cantrang is an environment-friendly tool,” said Sumarso.

Previously, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti banned the use of cantrang since it would destroy the sea ecosystem. However, she had announced the revocation of the policy following the meeting with President Joko Widodo and Indonesian Fishers Alliance in January 2018.

Responding to the complaints, Sandiaga Uno said, “Pak Haji Sumarso, I do not dare to give a promise as it will be charged in this world and the afterlife. But If I am elected, believe me, I will ease the policy on fisheries, and not making the life difficult for fishermen.”

According to Sudirman, who is now a legislative candidate of the House of Representative (DPR) from Tegal, fishers could help to strengthen the national economy which was presently weakening. “We will seek a permanent solution, a win-win solution that complies with the law, so fishers can sail without fears,” he said while accompanying Sandiaga Uno during his campaign visit in Tegal.

ANTARA