Minister Susi, Jokowi Hold Dialog with Fishermen on Cantrang
17 January 2018 20:22 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Maritime Affairs and Fishery Minister Susi Pudjiastuti accompanied President Joko Widodo or Jokowi in the dialogue held to accommodate the cantrang fishermen that staged a rally across the Merdeka Palace today, January 17.
Hundreds of fishermen held the rally since 08:00 a.m. to protest against the policy that ban the use of cantrang – a fishing equipment similar to a Danish seine/small trawl – introduced by Minister Susi Pudjiastuti.
Read: Cantrang Fishermen Stage Rally during Jokowis Cabinet Reshuffle
President Jokowi accepted representatives of the protesters in one of the meeting rooms in Merdeka Palace this afternoon at 03:30 p.m. The dialogue was also attended by State Secretary Pratikno.
According to Tegal Regent Enthus Susmano who accompanied the fishermen, there are two conflicting perceptions regarding cantrang that caused the divided opinions.
Enthus explained that Pantura fishermen view cantrang is different from a trawl, which has been banned since Soeharto’s administration.
However, Minister Susi Pudjiastuti views that the use of cantrang also damages the marine ecosystem and its resources. The fishermen were accompanied by three regents and one mayor.
ANTARA