Balikpapan – During a visit to check the availability of fuel oil (BBM) for fishermen in Balikpapan, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia stated that he would cut through bureaucracy to expedite the permit process for the construction of Fishermen’s Public Fuel Filling Stations (SPBUN) in Indonesia.
“There is a request from them that we must fulfill, including shortening the bureaucracy for the application for building gas stations.” “I can understand their feelings because my family are fishermen too,” said Bahlil.
This statement was made by Bahlil during a direct monitoring of the distribution of fuel for coastal communities at SPBUN 68.76103, Manggar Baru, Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, on Saturday (14/12/2024). This inspection was conducted to ensure that the supply of fuel for fishermen is well-provided, especially in the lead-up to Christmas 2024 and New Year 2025 (Nataru).
SPBUN itself is a government program aimed at facilitating access to fuel for fishermen in various regions of Indonesia. Until now, a total of 415 SPBUN have been built in coastal areas. Bahlil emphasized that the government’s attention to fishermen is not only focused on energy access but also on supporting the sustainability of coastal communities’ livelihoods.
During the visit, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil heard the aspirations of fishermen who need additional fuel supply. In response to the request, the government is committed to expediting the licensing process for the construction of SPBUN so that the energy needs of coastal communities can be met promptly.
“The fishermen submitted a reasonable request to be fulfilled, including the acceleration of the bureaucratic process for the fishermen’s gas stations.” “I understand this need because my family also comes from a fishing background,” said Bahlil.
As stated by one of the members of the Joint Business Group (KUB) Nelayan Bersatu, Erwan, the presence of SPBUN in Balikpapan is considered to provide direct benefits in improving welfare.
“We from KUB Nelayan Bersatu feel the benefits of the existence of this gas station.” However, we request an increase in the quota so that we can go to sea twice a month,” he said.
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