Jokowi Inaugurates New 60-Hectare Shrimp Farm in Central Java

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on Thursday inaugurated a 60-hectare shrimp cultivation farm in Kebumen, Central Java. The farm that is dubbed the Area-Based Shrimp Cultivation Farm, or BUBK, is expected to produce 40 tons of Vannamei (Whiteleg Shrimp) for each hectare. 

"This shrimp farming area costs Rp175 billion to become an example that can later be copied for other provinces and regencies," Jokowi said in the inauguration broadcasted by the Presidential Secretariat office’s Youtube channel on Thursday, March 9.

"Vannamei shrimps require clean water, which requires really detailed management, and we hope this will set an example for all of us," the President added. 

Before inaugurating the BUBK, the President took part in the rice harvest event in Lajer Village, Ambal District, Kebumen Regency. He said that the price of harvested dry unhusked rice (GKP) during the main harvest is only valued roughly at Rp4,200 per kilogram. 

Jokowi believes this price is too low and is not beneficial for farmers. He hopes that after the re-calculation, the National Food Agency can determine a reasonable price for grain for farmers and help make an impact on the reasonable price of rice as the commodity reaches traders.

"The purchasing price of rice by the public is also in a reasonable position. Everyone will benefit from this calculation," said Jokowi.

M JULNIS FIRMANSYAH 

Editor's Choice: Researcher: Shrimp Farm Damages Mangrove Forest the Most

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