REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry (KKP) has allocated Rp175 billion for an insurance program for fishermen across the country.

"We have readied Rp175 billion for providing insurance facilities to some one million fishermen this year," KKP Minister Susi Pudjiastuti stated at a press conference here on Monday.

Minister Susi expressed hope that the fishermen will register with the insurance program in future.

Based on data at the Central Bureau of Statistics, there are 2.7 million fishermen across the country.

Susi noted that her ministry will evaluate the application documents on Monday evening (Aug 1) and on Tuesday (Aug 2) and will announce the names of selected fishermen.

The compensation scheme for a fisherman, who dies in a fishing accident, is set at Rp200 million, Rp100 million for fishermen who suffered from permanent disabilities, and Rp20 million for medical treatment.

Fishermen killed in an accident unrelated to fishing activities can receive a compensation of Rp160 million, while those who ailed from permanent disabilities can avail Rp100 million, and Rp20 million for medical treatment.

The minister said the insurance facilities are provided to fishermen and not to ship crew members as they are insured through the Social Security Management Agency and other insurance schemes provided by the ship owners.

Minister Susi also hoped the media will take part in spreading awareness on the program, particularly with regard to the crew members of fishing ships who are not offered insurance facilities by the KKP.

Earlier, the People's Coalition for Fishery Justice (Kiara) had reminded the Indonesian government of the need to take a cue from Malaysia in implementing a policy for improving the welfare of fishermen.

"Licensed fishermen in Malaysia get a monthly allowance of 300 ringgits from the state," Kiara Secretary General Abdul Halim stated in November last year.

The fishermen also receive subsidized fuel allowance, regardless of whether they go fishing. This is apart from the living cost provided by the government.

The fishermen in Malaysia are also offered healthcare services free of charge at government hospitals. If the fishermen are killed in an accident, they will receive funds worth some two thousand ringgits that come under the management of the Malaysian fishery agency.

"They are also offered boat repair guarantee," Halim added.

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