Tapanuli Selatan Regent Distributes Fish Farming Assistance to Strengthen Food Self-Sufficiency

TAPANULI SELATAN | INDATANEWS.COM - Tapanuli Selatan Regent, Gus Irawan Pasaribu, on Monday, July 20, 2026, handed over assistance packages in the form of round fish ponds, catfish fingerlings, and fish feed to the Aek Siboru Namora Fish Farmers Group (Pokdakan) in Huta Baru Hamlet, Pargarutan Dolok Village, East Angkola District, Tapanuli Selatan Regency.

The assistance was provided as part of the Tapanuli Selatan Regency Government's efforts to increase production in the fisheries sector and strengthen regional food security through the fish self-sufficiency program.

The handover ceremony was attended by representatives from the Pargarutan Dolok Village community, Chairman of Pokdakan Aek Siboru Namora Bona Harahap, members and administrators of the fish farmers group, as well as local residents.

The assistance provided by the regional government is expected to serve as a stimulus for residents to further develop fish farming as an opportunity to increase household income. Through this program, the Tapanuli Selatan Regency Government distributed a total of 10,000 catfish fingerlings and 60 sacks of fish feed to Pokdakan Aek Siboru Namora.

Each round pond was stocked with 1,000 catfish fingerlings and supplied with three sacks of fish feed to support the initial stage of fish farming operations.

Thousand Ponds Movement Strengthens Food Security

The "Gerakan Seribu Kolam" (Thousand Ponds Movement) initiated by the Tapanuli Selatan Regency Government continues to show positive progress. In 2025, a total of 977 ponds were constructed through various funding sources, including the regency budget (APBD), provincial government budget, corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs, and village funds allocated for food security programs.

In 2026, the regional government continues to expand the development of fish ponds in order to achieve the target of the Gerakan Seribu Kolam program. The initiative does not focus solely on increasing the number of ponds built but primarily aims to encourage community independence in meeting the region's fish demand.

In his speech, Regent H. Gus Irawan Pasaribu emphasized that the assistance provided should not only be viewed as the distribution of production facilities but also as an encouragement for residents to utilize available land for productive economic activities.

According to Gus Irawan, communities can develop various interconnected and sustainable economic sectors, including fish farming, agriculture, and livestock.

"The main objective of the Gerakan Seribu Kolam is not merely to increase the number of ponds constructed, but to enable Tapanuli Selatan to independently fulfill its own fish needs," Gus Irawan said.

He explained that based on 2024 data, a portion of the fish demand among Tapanuli Selatan residents was still supplied from other regions, particularly West Sumatra. This condition has encouraged the regional government to continue expanding local fish production.

Government Prepares Support for Productive Businesses

Regent Gus Irawan stated that the Tapanuli Selatan Regency Government has prepared various support programs to assist residents in developing productive businesses.

One of the initiatives is the provision of loans through the Kredit Usaha Rakyat (KUR) program with a zero-percent interest rate for productive entrepreneurs affected by natural disasters. In addition, the regional government is collaborating with Regional-Owned Enterprises (BUMD), which are expected to serve as suppliers of fish feed and fingerlings as well as buyers of community fish farming products.

According to the regent, these efforts are aimed at creating a sustainable economic system, starting from the provision of production inputs to the marketing of aquaculture products.

Gus Irawan also encouraged residents not to leave unused land idle. The development of agriculture, livestock, and fisheries can become a strategy to accelerate economic recovery following disasters and improve community welfare.

"Do not allow available land to remain unused. Let us utilize it for activities that can increase people's income," Gus Irawan said.

On the occasion, the Tapanuli Selatan Regent also reminded all district heads, village leaders, agricultural extension officers, and residents to jointly support regional food security programs.

He called on all stakeholders to work together in combating drug abuse, preventing exploitative lending practices, and reducing poverty through community economic empowerment.

Pokdakan Aek Siboru Namora Appreciates Assistance

Chairman of Pokdakan Aek Siboru Namora, Bona Harahap, expressed appreciation and gratitude to the Tapanuli Selatan Regency Government for providing assistance in the form of round ponds, catfish fingerlings, and fish feed.

He considered the support an important contribution for residents in increasing fish production while creating new opportunities to raise the income of group members and residents of Pargarutan Dolok Village.

"We thank the Tapanuli Selatan Regency Government for the assistance provided. We hope this support can increase fish production while also improving the income of our group members and the people of Pargarutan Dolok," Bona Harahap said in a WhatsApp confirmation.

Through the Gerakan Seribu Kolam program, the Tapanuli Selatan Regency Government is optimistic that the fisheries sector will become an important driver of the local economy in the future while strengthening regional food security. (IDNC)

REPORTER: Dalil Harahap | EDITOR: Fik Sagala

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