"The fishermen can now register through an online system to become insurance recipients," Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Susi Pudjiastuti said.
Kolaka, S Sulawesi (ANTARA News) - The Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry will provide insurance to all Indonesian fishermen as mandated in the Indonesian Constitution.

Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Susi Pudjiastuti stated in Kolaka District on Tuesday that the provision of insurance is a step taken to protect fishermen working to earn a living.

"The fishermen can now register through an online system to become insurance recipients," she noted.

The minister also explained that the fishermen keen on becoming insurance beneficiaries will not have to pay any charges, as the ministry has guaranteed the cost of insurance.

As part of the insurance scheme, the fishermen will receive up to Rp200 million in compensation in case of death at sea.

The fishermen will also receive compensation amounting to Rp160 million in case of death following a land accident, Rp100 million for permanent disability due to an accident on land, while they will receive Rp20 million for medical expenses.

"This insurance does not come under the Social Security Agencys scheme, but it is a specialized insurance for fishermen," she remarked.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo has lauded the implementation of the fishermen insurance program facilitated by the ministry.

"We hope all Indonesian fishermen would register in the insurance scheme, as it is not burdensome," she pointed out.

Pudjiastuti also emphasized that insurance with not be given to fishermen found using blast fishing technique and damaging the coral reefs.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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