BJP Replicates Milkfish Cultivation Program at Karanggondang Village
Jepara, 25th November 2024 – PT Bhumi Jati Power (hereinafter “BJP”), as reported on 29th April 2024, has successfully initiated the Milkfish Cultivation Program (“Milkfish Program”) in Bandungharjo Village. The beneficiary successfully harvested around 6,8 tons of milkfish, and generating an economic value of IDR 129 million.
Following the success story of the Milkfish Program implementation in Bandungharjo, BJP expanded this initiative to Karanggondang Village. The Milkfish Program in Karanggondang implemented in collaboration with the Department of the Brackish Aquaculture Fisheries Centre (Balai Besar Perikanan dan Budidaya Air Payau or “BBPBAP”), with the beneficiary is Fishermen Communication Group – Northern Jepara (Perkumpulan Komunikasi Nelayan – Jepara Utara or “PKNJU”).
On 25th November 2024, BJP conducted the ceremonial event of 1st spreading of milkfish into the milkfish pond in Karanggondang. The milkfish pond covers an area of approximately 1,5 hectares with a total spread of 35,000 milkfish seeds.
During the ceremony, Mr. Ari Wibawa, the CSR Manager of BJP, emphasized that the Milkfish Cultivation Program could support stabilize the fishermen's economy during the monsoon season. He highlighted that the program offers a viable alternative to maintain economic stability and holds significant potential for expansion, providing additional welfare for local fishermen. “Since our company is closely involved with the fishermen’s activities, it’s important to build a good relationship with the community. Regular communication and a sustainable program will serve as alternative keys to strengthen this relation and ensure smooth cooperation”.
In addition, Mr. Supito, as the Head of BBPBAP Jepara, appreciated the significant role of the BJP in contributing to the development of aquaculture in Jepara Regency. Mr. Supito highlighted that this activity aligns with the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries priority program for the revitalization of shrimp ponds along the Northern Coast of Java. “BBPBAP always provides continuous support to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of Milkfish program. BBPBAP also commit to collaborate in strengthening the fisherman community in Jepara Regency”.
Mr. Dwi, the Chief of PKNJU, stated that during starting of the program, he faced challenging weather conditions. However, with the support of his team and BBPBAP, they were able to stabilize the parameters successfully. “We expect the cultivation of milkfish will positively impact to the alternative income during monsoon. This program will also give clear understanding to our members of PKNJU related to BJP’s support for the welfare of fisherman through sustainable initiative”.
The Milkfish Program implemented using a semi-intensive method in the 1,5 hectares of the pond. To carry out this method, BJP supported 8 (eight) waterwheels to the group. These waterwheels play a crucial role in maintaining stable oxygen levels in the pond, ensuring optimal conditions for the growth and development of the milkfish. The cultivation will take around 3-4 months before entering the harvesting period, which means that the pond could effectively cultivate the milkfish up to 3-4 times a year. According to the initial calculation by the BBPBAP experience, the estimate for the total of harvested milkfish is around 3,5 tons.
Currently, the milkfish market is still widely open since the demand for milkfish is quite high, especially during the monsoon season (December to March). The high demand especially is coming from Pati, Rembang, and Semarang. Then, we expect that the milkfish harvested could improve the prosperity of the Beneficiaries through this Program.