Subang, July 27th, 2020. PT XL Axiata Tbk (XL Axiata) is committed to providing support in effort to improve the welfare of fishing communities through the use of digital technology. To that end, XL Axiata is also supporting Indonesia's Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) program to develop and diversify fishing businesses on the coast of Subang, West Java. The KKP program aims to help local fishing communities become more productive, both in catching fish at sea and through other businesses. The launching of this program took place simultaneously at the Fish Auction Place (TPI) in Blanakan, Genteng, and Trungtum, Subang, Sunday (7/19).
Group Head Central Region XL Axiata, Rd. Sofia Purbayanti said, “XL Axiata is once again supporting the KKP’s efforts in helping the fishing community to improve their welfare. Coincidentally, the CTF does have a support program for fishing communities on the coast of Patimban, Subang, and surrounding areas that aims to develop and diversify fishermen’s economic businesses. Here at XL Axiata, we are offering the use of digital and technology-based tools, namely, the Laut Nusantara application, for those to increase the productivity of their fishing activities.”
Sofia's following statement continues by saying that XL Axiata has educated 100 fishermen firsthand on the use of the Nusantara Sea application in this outreach program. Not forgetting, they were also educated on the benefits of digital technology to help improve fishing activities and catching at sea, while ensuring their safety at work. One of the features they need is a clue to which the location where the fish are, in which they have not been able to predict. However, digital technology supported by satellite data is able to provide these data.
Along with the socialization program, XL Axiata have also provided smartphones to 36 people consisting of the Fisher Coordinator and KP Counselors in which the Nusantara Nusantara application was installed. Previously, the fishermen had first received training on how to use the Nusantara Sea application. That way, they can immediately use it when fishing.
Head of Research of the Research Center for Marine Observation of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) in Indonesia, Eko Susilo said, "Our data shows there are over 1,100 fishermen in Subang. Through this program, we hope to help Subang fishing communities develop their economic businesses. Thus, they will be able to have a source of economic income, aside from fishing in the sea. Furthermore, we highly encourage fishermen to apply digital technology, specifically the Laut Nusantara application, so that their fishing abilities can improve."
XL Axiata and BROL have conducted socialization programs on the application of the Laut Nusantara application since 2018, and in total have reached no less than 27 thousand fishermen in 23 cities/regencies throughout Indonesia. Entering Phase 3 of the development stage, the Laut Nusantara app is a digital app intended for traditional fishery services that use simple equipment and operate no more than 20 miles from the coastline.
Laut Nusantara application provides accurate data on the various needs of fishermen while at sea, including the location of fish, weather data related to wind speed and wave conditions, fuel count, up to features for emergency calls. In addition, this application also provides a chat feature that fishermen can use to get information about the price of fish caught in the market.