NATIONAL FISH BARN PROGRAM PART OF RPJMN 2015-2019

NATIONAL FISH BARN PROGRAM PART OF RPJMN 2015-2019: MINISTER Ambon, Maluku, Dec 9 (Antara) - The National Fish Barn program of Maluku province has been included in the 2015-2019 National Medium Term Development Plan (RPJMN 2015-2019), a minister noted. "The program has been made part of the RPJMN 2015-2019 to make Maluku province the leading center for the development of the fisheries sector in Indonesia," National Development Planning Minister/National Development Planning Board (Bappenas) Chief Andrinof Chaniago remarked here on Monday. Chaniago stated that the central government fully supported Maluku's National Fish Barn program as it was intended to make the province the leading seafood manufacturer in the country. The minister affirmed that the National Fish Barn program was also expected to increase the income of people in Maluku, especially the traditional fishermen who still live below the poverty line. Besides this, Chaniago pointed out that the program would ensure upstream and downstream production in the marine and fisheries sector. "The program will also accelerate the growth of the maritime-based economy through the development of fishing commodity-based industries," the minister said. With regard to the target of regional gross domestic income per region over the next five years, especially for the provinces of Maluku and Papua, the minister revealed that it can be increased from 2.2 to 2.9 percent in 2019. Chaniago said the central government also emphasized on the main objectives of development in Maluku by developing new economic centers, including an industrial zone, five special economic zones, two integrated economic zones, and the development of other potential areas. "We are targeting to alleviate poverty in 10 disadvantaged districts in Maluku province by increasing economic growth, reducing poverty, and improving the human development index," the minister noted. In light of this, Minister Chaniago expressed hope that the Maluku provincial government can work in tandem with the central government to realize various development programs for the next five years. ***2***