Fajarasia.co – The presence of the Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, in Bali received a warm welcome from the residents. He made a working visit to support the strengthening of the blue economy of Badung Regency.
Around 2,500 residents have been waiting for Puan’s presence at Pandawa Beach, Badung, Bali, since morning, Wednesday (28/9/2022). Together with Puan, the Balinese will carry out various environmental maintenance activities around the beach.
When she arrived at the location, Puan was greeted by a kecak dance. The community consisting of fishermen, housewives, MSME actors, students, and traditional leaders seemed enthusiastic to welcome Puan.
Residents scrambled to greet Puan and not a few asked to take pictures and selfies together. They said they were happy with Mrs. Some residents even shouted hysterically when Puan approached them. When invited to talk by Puan, many residents laughed because they were full of jokes.
After greeting the residents, Puan then visited the MSME stalls of seafood products. Puan even tasted ice processed seaweed produced by local SMEs. Communities around Pandawa Beach are fully transformed to rely on tourism and marine products.
Accompanied by the Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) Bintang Puspayoga and the Regent of Badung I Nyoman Giri Prasta and a number of members of the DPR, Puan checked the arrangement of kiosks or stalls on Pandawa Beach which is a program of the local Regency Government. To Puan, the Regency Government Representative explained about the Pandawa Beach development master plan with the concept of blue economy empowerment.
Puan then transplanted coral reefs by inserting coral reef seeds that formed the word ‘Puan Maharani’. This coral reef transplant is carried out together with the residents.
“This will be planted on the seabed. Later I will dive to see its development after a few months of growing,” said Puan.
The first woman who served as Chair of the Indonesian House of Representatives then released the hatchlings into the sea with the residents. While releasing the hatchlings, Puan helped the community who were carrying out a beach clean-up movement by picking up trash in the sea.
“Keep Bali’s seas clean. We take care of the environment together and we must always love Bali for Indonesia,” he said.
Puan also appreciated the blue economy initiative carried out by the Badung Regency Government. According to him, the blue economy program at Pandawa Beach is part of a form of integrating unity between nature conservation and community economic activities.
“If we take care of nature, nature will take care of us. Let’s always together maintain the beauty, order, comfort, and security of Pandawa Beach. So that more tourists come and increase the income of the surrounding community,” said Puan.
“Pandawa Beach is our common property for mutual prosperity,” added the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture.
Puan also had a dialogue with the Pandawa Beach fishing group. A fisherman’s representative named Wayan conveyed the aspirations of his colleagues who needed assistance with facilities to catch fish in the sea.
“Especially the infrastructure for fishing gear such as boats, outboard engines. That’s not in our group yet. We don’t even have a cold box yet,” said Wayan.
The Badung Regency Government stated that it would provide assistance for 7 5 GT outboard motor boats which will come in November. Puan also asked the fishermen to specify what other needs are still needed.
“If there are other needs on behalf of the fishermen group, send a letter to me, to the DPR later through Mr. Giri or Mr. Made Urip (Member of the DPR RI for the Bali Dapil), I will follow up. We will prepare as much as possible,” he explained.
At the end of the event, Puan met hundreds of students from the Faculty of Fisheries and Maritime Affairs at Udayana University who participated in blue economy activities at Pandawa Beach. The conversation between Puan and the students was warm because there was a lot of laughter interspersed with them.
One of the students named Rio then expressed his hope that the DPR would provide support for the improvement of the Pandawa Beach infrastructure. Such as roads and supporting facilities to maintain a balance between tourism and the environment.
“Do you have a personal request or not?” asked Mrs.
“Yes ma’am, that’s all,” replied Rio.
The lady then teased Rio. “Don’t want a photo either? Others ask for photos,” said the grandson of the proclaimer of Indonesia, Bung Karno.
“Would you like it, ma’am,” replied Rio cheerfully, who immediately took his cellphone to take a selfie with Puan.
Not wanting to lose the moment, Rio then took the opportunity to ask Puan to make a video commemorating the anniversary of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Affairs, Udayana University. While laughing at Rio’s behavior, Puan then recorded a birthday wish for the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Affairs, Udayana University together with the students.
“Happy birthday to the Faculty of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Udayana University. Success is always and always keeps what is the mandate to build the nation and state. Independent!” he said.
Puan also conveyed a message to the entire community, especially the Balinese, to support the blue economy program initiated by the Badung Regency Government.
“Because it needs support from the public, especially the people in Bali so that the program can run. Of course, mutual cooperation from all parties is needed to be able to carry it out,” concluded Puan.****
