Bali To Apply To KKP To Insure 13.7 Thousand Fishermen

Denpasar (Antara Bali) - Based on the results of coordination with the district and city officials, the Bali provincial government will apply to the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) to get insurance for 13.7 thousand local fishermen.

"The actual target set for Bali is 25 thousand fishermen, but we expect some 16 thousand could get insured on the basis of the fishermen's card," Head of Bali Marine and Fisheries Office I Made Gunaja stated in Denpasar on Friday.

Gunaja pointed out that although 16 thousand fishermen in Bali had received the fishermen's card, but all may not be able to register to avail insurance as the maximum age limit is 65 years.

"Based on our coordination meeting with the officials of the districts some two weeks ago, it was estimated that 13.7 thousand fishermen will be eligible for insurance, as there are 2.3 thousand fishermen who are over 65 years of age," he explained.

According to Gunaja, most fishermen in Bali are spread across Jembrana, Buleleng, and Karangasem. Except the Bangli District, there are fishermen in five other districts, who do not conduct fishing activities as the area does not have direct access to sea.

"Through such insurance, the fishermen can obtain protection in the event of accidents during work or other activities, as well as receive medical expenses, and also for dependents in case of permanent disability or death," he remarked.

Gunaja remarked that for the first year of the insurance for the fishermen, the premium cost will be borne entirely by the government. However, it is expected that in the coming years, the fishermen will become motivated to pay their own premiums after they realize the wide-ranging benefits of the scheme.

Earlier, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Susi Pudjiastuti suggested that the KKP had set aside a budget of Rp175 billion to roll out an insurance program for fishermen. This protection is offered to fishermen in case of an accident, both while conducting fishing or other activities.

Through this structured insurance scheme, a fisherman, who had an accident and died, would receive a compensation of Rp200 million. A fisherman, who became disabled due to an accident, will receive a compensation of Rp100 million. Moreover, if injured at work, the fishermen will be able to avail medical expenses of up to Rp20 million.

A compensation of Rp160 million will be given in case of an accident or death while conducting non-fishing activities, for instance, riding a motorcycle, or other activities. Some Rp100 million will be offered to fishermen involved in accidents but did not suffer any disability. Medical expenses of up to Rp20 million will be offered in case of accidents outside work.

The fishermen's insurance scheme is in accordance with the mandate of Law No. 7 of 2016 on the protection of fishermen. The state must allocate funds in the budget for the fishermen's life insurance scheme. (WDY)