Fishing port to be built in Natuna

BATAM: The Riau Islands administration will start building a fishing port in Natuna regency even though only a quarter of the total money needed for the project is on hand.

Head of the provincial fisheries and marine office Amir Faizal said Wednesday the port project was estimated to cost Rp 100 billion (US$11 million), but the provincial government had allocated only Rp 25 billion for the construction in its 2008 budget.

"We have proposed the central government provide us with financial support to finish the port," said Amir.

Some 20 hectares of land so far have been prepared by the provincial government for the port.

The presence of a fishing port in Natuna, said Amir, was urgent to help tap the province's resources.

The port is expected to increase the number of fishing ships operating in the region, offering fishermen both fish auction and warehouse facilities.

The port, Amir said, will also make it easier for the province to directly record fish exports from the region.

So far the province has recorded fish exports of only 5,000 tons per year, far below its reputed potential of about 20,000 tons. --JP