Go Ahead With Fisherman Insurance Program: Jokowi

Makassar, South Sulawesi (Antara Bali) - The insurance program to guarantee the future of the lives of fishermen and their families should be continued and developed, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) asserted.

"We must go ahead with the insurance program for the fishermen, lest they die at sea and their family suffer tremendously," Jokowi said while inaugurating Untia Fishery Port in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Saturday.

The head of state mentioned that the government currently has provided insurance to one million fishermen across the country from Sabang to Merauke.

"The insurance premium is Rp175 thousand per year, and the number of recipients will be increased each year. If the budget is enough, we will raise it to two million," the president remarked at the event, also attended by Maritime and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti.

Jokowi explained that if a fisherman died at sea, the beneficiary would receive compensation amounting to Rp200 million; if he died on the land, the beneficiary would receive Rp160 million; and if he is disabled, the beneficiary would receive Rp80 million.

Jokowi added that the government will continue to develop integrated fisheries port in Indonesia.

Untia fishery port in Makassar plays an important role in increasing production and export of fish. The fisheries export from South Sulawesi is expected to reach 10 percent of the national export.

"It is expected that this port will be connected to other fishing ports in Indonesia," Jokowi pointed out. (WDY)