Programme Working Group to the Sago and Rubber Proposed Budget

Riau Pos. Thursday, June 19, 2008
Pekanbaru (RP) - Coordination Meeting (rakor) WG Processed Food and WG Sago Merbau Riau Siak Malay Rubber (Melasi) by various stake holders involved in making the program work, is reaching the final. Coordination meetings conducted over three days at the Hotel Grand Zuri Pekanbaru will formulate a program to increase the potency of sago in Merbau Bengkalis and Siak rubber.

Then how the government responds that the program has created working group? and whether this can be incorporated into local budgets in 2009? Head of Regional Economic Planning Agency Bengkalis Riau Pos Huzaini when met at the sidelines of the states are poised to take courses that have been made to the relevant technical departments. However, regarding the possibility of inclusion into the program budget Bengkalis 2009, he states still in doubt because the process has been discussed through Musrenbang and other phases.

''If you want to be included, perhaps to the 2010 budget, unable to budget 2009 as already in the discussion stage. Unless there is a Parliament initiative to incorporate the program, the possibility it could happen,''he told Riau Pos, Wednesday (18 / 6).

He added that with the program Corporated Ssocial Responsibility PT Kondur Petroleum to empower communities sago business sector should be supported because it can increase the level of social welfare. Sago WG Merbau own presence, is not known by the Regent of Bengkalis. Although the working group had engaged in Bengkalis and hearings by Parliament recently, and exhibition activities within and outside the region. However, it will notify this so that Regent can support this worthwhile program.

Another case with Pemkab Siak. Head of Bappeda Siak Jhonny Sarikoen expressly said it would accommodate the work program Siak Malay Rubber Working Group to be included in the budgets of Siak 2009 before the signing of the parliament. According to him, now only a matter of waiting time and priority of existing programs.

''We are deeply committed to improving people's economy. Especially the rubber problem is, where there is rubber-rubber replanting program that currently is old. We support this Kondur CSR program and will provide additional assistance through the budget. But we suggest also that the company helps also areas that have not been touched budget,''he said.

Meanwhile, Secretary WG Sago Merbau, Fauzi, said that they did not want Merbau like Dabo Singkep. Where when natural resources run out then the community will suffer. For that, the working group will make sago into alternative food other than rice and can improve the welfare of society.

Working group''wanted to embrace all stakeholders ranging from governments, parliaments, entrepreneurs and businesses to create programs to increase these people's economy. We expect the collaboration of Pemkab Bengkalis up to support our programs that we make and in the near future relationship to the regents,''he said.

The same occasion, Secretary General WG Karmelasi, Iskandar said that he was grateful for the support provided Pemkab Siak. They have made a rejuvenation program and propose to the government. Currently live action to the parliament. According to the current in Siak rubber trees are old-old as it is a legacy passed down through generations. (Ose)