IO – The Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Edhy Prabowo, issued a Minister’s Regulation (Permen) KP Number 12 of 2020 concerning the Management of Lobsters (Panulirus spp.), Crabs (Scylla spp.) and Rajungan (Portunus spp.) In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is considered appropriate. It is a clear legal umbrella for the lifting of the ban on harvesting lobster seeds. The policy taken by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries can simultaneously increase the welfare of fishermen and state income.
Deputy Chairman of Commission IV of the Parliament, Daniel Johan, welcomed the reopening of the lobster seeds’ exports because the issuance of the legal umbrella would provide welfare for fishermen. “Yes, revoking the ban on extracting lobster seeds will automatically upgrade welfare for fishermen,” he said.
Daniel views that the catching and selling of lobster seeds is a form of government support for fishermen. If lobster seeds are not harvested, the majority will die. But the use of lobster seeds needs to pay attention to their sustainability. “Provided sustainability is maintained, the majority of lobster seeds will die before they mature,” he said.
Appreciation also emerged from a political observer from the Jakarta Islamic State University (UIN), Adi Prayitno. He called the Minister’s move to lift the ban a brave decision. Although Edhy was bullied, the decision was an extraordinary step amid the COVID-19 pandemic as mandated by President Joko Widodo. “The previous policy (the prohibition of catching lobster seeds) is based on sustainability, but overriding the interest of small fishermen who look for income from there, and sending their children to school from the income,” Adi said, Tuesday (06/30/2020).
According to him, the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries has made a breakthrough to save the lobster fishermen amid the crisis of COVID-19 pandemic. “Minister Edhy has carried out an extraordinary step called for by the President,” he explained.
Adi was optimistic that before the policy was taken, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries would have already conducted a study. This policy is also believed to increase the welfare of fishermen and foreign exchange. “It’s automatic because every export has a tax. Every seed that is caught has an economic value for fishermen. Every effort opens jobs. The Minister’s Regulation by Edhy benefits fishermen and the country,” he explained.
Note that the policy to revoke the ban on the catching of lobster seeds is contained in Ministerial Regulation (Permen) KP No. 12 of 2020 concerning the Management of Lobsters (Panulirus spp), Crabs (Scylla spp) and Rajungan (Portunus spp). Even though the ban was revoked, those wishing to export them must meet certain conditions. (dan)