H

undreds of shrimp farmers staged a protest outside Lampung provincial administration Wednesday demanding an explanation for farm revitalization development that has not been completed on schedule.

The farmers, who are affiliated with the Windu Shrimp Plasma Farmers Association (PPPUW) of PT Aruna Wijaya Sakti (PT AWS), the company carrying out the project, disclosed that the joint venture agreement cited the revitalization project would be completed in 12 months ending May 2009.

However, the company requested the project be postponed until September 2009, but was still unable to meet the deadline.

PPPUW deputy leader Thowilun said the project had not shown progress since it was taken over by the company in July 2007.

He said the lack of progress has meant many shrimp farmers have not been able to earn a living since the ponds were not in operation while their debts had built up.

He said the farmers had initially welcomed the company that won the tender to carry out the project.

The company had then promised to revitalize the ponds owned by plasma farmers, including its supporting facilities. The move aimed at improving the welfare of farmers, employees and residents.

“However, PT AWS has never fulfilled its promises. Consequently, the shrimp farmers have become miserable,” Thowilun said.

“Now, each of us owe the company between Rp 80 million [US$9,000] and Rp 100 million. The debts will increase if the revitalization project is stalled and farmers cannot work.”

He said that during the management transfer to PT Central Proteinaprima (CP Prima), PT AWS’s parent company, thousands of plasma farmers had hoped for change.

“CP Prima had initially promised to revitalize 16 blocks of shrimp ponds in eight villages but failed
to deliver as only five blocks were completed.”

Thowilun said that farmers had expected an explanation from the company regarding on the revitalization program’s progress.

“When Maritime Affairs and Fishery Minister Fadel Muhammad visited Lampung three months ago, he even emphasized that PT AWS [and CP Prima] should stop operating there if they fail to complete the project,” he said.

During a hearing with a number of Lampung legislators and officials from the provincial administration, the farmers urged the legislature and governor to demand that PT AWS immediately complete the project.

“If necessary, the administration should take over PT AWS and replace it with other companies that have good intentions to improve people’s lives,” said legislator Syukri.

“We demand every debt burdened on farmers due to the delay be fully covered by PY AWS, as the core company,” he added.

Responding to the protest, CP Prima spokesman George Basuki denied the revitalization program had stalled. “So far, the program is still running on schedule,” he said.

Basuki also denied the delayed distribution of shrimp fry. He said the delay only took place in January due to the rainy season.

In response to the revitalization program, Basuki said the company management remained committed to complete it on schedule.