BATAM, Kompas – Riau Islands Provincial Government prepares two vessels for commodity and staple food distribution to the outermost island of the region. So far, the residents in the outermost islands such as Natuna and Anambas Islands really depend on staple food supply to Batam and Tanjung Pinang.
Both vessels, said Riau Islands Governor, Muhammad Sani, in Batam on Friday (1/30) can still meet the needs. Last week, staple food supply distribution to outermost islands was hampered by bad weather. “Currently, distributing vessels and private vessels can visit those regions,” he said.
“The vessels have been operated and arrived but yesterday, they were disrupted by bad weather. Currently, only a vessel has been operated,” he said.
Governor explained one vessel operated is the part of realization of two vessels promised by central government. The vessels are operated by Pelni.
Governor promised private party-owned vessels are re-operated after it could not sail to the outermost islands carrying staple foods last week.
“The procurement of those vessels is the part of Riau Islands Government’s program to develop maritime sector so central government will quickly realize it,” he said.
Riau Islands Provincial Government used to allocate vessel purchase of IDR 22 billion per unit but the plan was canceled. However, the government and regency government still allocate for small vessel purchase to serve inter-island needs.
“Therefore, government-aid vessels are used for long distance while inter-island short distance uses provincial government,” Sani said.
Rizal Saputra, Riau Islands Government Spokesman, added last week, bad weather and high wave until 6 meters force inter-island and Pelni vessels to halt operation.
Rizal explained even though MV Kawa Ranai keeps sailing from Tanjung Pinang, the capital city of Riau Islands, it cannot visit some islands namely Midai Island, Tiga Island, Sedanau, Kelarik, Laut Island, and Ranai Island. The vessel, instead, sails to Natuna Island and does not visit the routes as usual.
The residents in the islands which should be visited do not obtain staple foods. Rizal asserted along with the calming weather, staple food supply has returned to normal. (Kompas)
