Fishermen Group on Sabira Island Gets Assistance with Fish Drying House

The fishermen group living on Sabira Island, Harapan Island Urban Village, North Seribu Islands Sub-district, Seribu Islands Regency, received assistance with a Fish Drying House.

Weather factors often become obstacles to the fish processing industry

Its assistance was given by PT Pertamina Hulu Energi Offshore South East Sumatra (PHE OSES) in synergy with the Seribu Islands Maritime, Agriculture and Food Security Sub-agency (KPKP).

RW 03 Chairman, Harapan Islands Urban Village, Ali Kurniawan expressed the Fish Drying House is much needed by the people of Sabira Island because around 50 percent of the total fish catch is made into processed products for sale.

Seribu Islands Fishermen Must Check Weather Conditions Before Going to Sea

"No wonder, weather factors often become obstacles to the fish processing industry. This fish drying house is very useful in order not to disrupt the production process," he expressed, Wednesday (3/20).

He explained the drying house could improve drying quality. Even, it could dry fish at night and when it rains.

"Besides being fast and effective, the drying results will also be more hygienic because it is protected from mold and dirt," he explained.

Currently, fishermen groups have made experiments to obtain formulas and operational standards for drying fish. They succeeded in testing with natural heat the outdoor temperature was 25 degrees and the indoor temperature reached 35 to 40 degrees.

"The results of this experiment were very satisfying, it only took six hours to dry the fish. Previously, it took up to two days to catch fish using para-para," he explained.

"Besides being able to process salted fish, this facility can also be used to dry fish crackers and seaweed. Thank you, this is very useful," he added.

Seribu Islands KPKP Sub-agency Head, Rita Sri Lestari expressed her gratitude to PT PHE OSES for realizing the needs of the community, especially fishermen on Sabira Island.

"This house has been completed since January, but was only inaugurated and operated by the fishermen group this March. I appreciate PT PHE OSES for continuing to pay attention to fishermen in Seribu Islands," he stated.