URGENCY OF CONSERVATION OF LAKE TOBA AREA

URGENCY OF CONSERVATION OF LAKE TOBA AREA
By: Asrul Masir Harahap *)

Lake Toba is not only the pride of the North Sumatra but also the pride of the people of Indonesia because it is well known internationally as the largest lake No. 2 in the world after Lake Victoria-Canada as well as the beautiful panorama, and the world is a national asset that should be preserved. Lake Toba region is one of the rich ecosystems in North Sumatra. As an important area, sustainability is only possible if the management is based on a friendly approach to environmental management and integrated. Such an approach requires an understanding of the characteristics of the structure, function, and dynamics of the environment. The approach should be aimed at achieving a balance between the potential and the carrying capacity of natural resources, combined with social needs and accommodate the existing activities of life.

The complexity of the problems encountered in the management of Lake Toba region as well as the construction of a prolonged conflict in the surrounding area such as operating or not PT. IIU (PT TPL) in Toba Samosir, requires thought and the response by all stakeholders for the sustainable development of the region. Management and exploitation of the area of ​​Lake Toba conducted so far have broad impact, especially the increasing number of critical areas, which in turn would threaten the future of Lake Toba. Critical land is an area that includes the catchment area (DTA) Lake Toba has now reached an area of ​​301 581 hectares, spread across North Tapanuli, Simalungun, Karo, Toba Samosir and Dairi. Details of the critical areas in each district are:

No.	District	Broad of Critical Land (Ha)	Total of Sub-Districts	Total of Villages
1.	Tapanuli Utara	146.413	4	86
2.	Simalungun	10.804	5	23
3.	Karo	5.124	1	10
4.	Dairi	5.577	2	9
5.	Toba Samosir	133.663	12	256
	Total	301.581	24	384

Sources: Provincial Office of Agriculture and Food Crops of North Sumatra, 2000
__________________________
*) Director of Agribusiness Development Center (PPA Consultants) North Sumatra Branch Office

Strategic Function

Lake Toba region as natural ecosystems provide four strategic functions of the basic human needs and economic development, especially for the surrounding area, namely: (1) support for the activities of life, (2) beauty with friendliness, (3) raw materials, (4) waste storage. Because it is from the perspective of bioekologi, sustainable area management requires four guides, namely (1) the spatial harmonic, (2) optimizing the use of natural resources, (3) control of pollution / contamination, and (4) minimizing the losses caused environmental impact.

Terms of aspects of hydrology, Lake Toba also serves as a dam flood control and damper. Lake Toba is a regulator of the flow of water, either rain water or water sourced from 122 watersheds in North Tapanuli and Toba Samosir, 17 watersheds in Simalungun, 4 watersheds in Karo and Dairi 7 watersheds in which empties into Lake Toba. In addition, survival depends Asahan hydro lake water discharge, which also affect the aluminum industry PT. Inalum and North Sumatra electricity supplied from the power plant.

In terms of environmental aesthetics, Pocono Lake Toba is a view of a beautiful landscape, with a combination of terrestrial and aquatic environmental component matching, so that this region is a potential for development, especially the tourism sector which is a major source of foreign exchange for the region of North Sumatra. But today, the community development activities and tend to damage and pollution as encroachment by PT. IIU and communities, farming on steep slopes, disposal of household waste and hotels, oil spills vessels and so on.

Given the highly complex functions, if the damage to the ecosystem of Lake Toba region continues and is not immediately controlled either by the public or the government, then in time will soon decline in environmental quality with the damaged and contaminated the environment, so it is no longer support functions as mentioned above. Therefore it is necessary conservation efforts in the area of ​​environmental management of Lake Toba.


Conservation Strategy

Management of Lake Toba region for socio-economic development activities can lead to conflicts of interest between the activities of tourism, agriculture, industry, conservation, housing and so on. Generally business with high economic value such as plant IIU / TPL, hydropower, hospitality and others who dominate the development of the region is often ignored environmental impacts. Management of Lake Toba region is also dealing with social conflicts caused by no / not any land use planning and proper coordination between regions and between the parties concerned.

DTA region is Lake Toba in 5 (five) districts with vast wasteland, if not immediately addressed, it is feared will be able to threaten the sustainability of the lake and its surroundings. Therefore we need an integrated efforts aimed at environmental conservation and provide socio-economic benefits for the community and increase local government revenues related. These efforts, among others, through reforestation and land rehabilitation and soil and water conservation with agricultural crops, especially fruits, green plants and plantations are aimed to (a) maintain the environmental carrying capacity, and the environment, (b) maintaining water resources and sustainability functions, (c) restore and maintain soil fertility, (d) to attract private investment and public participation in the development of fruits, forest social / community or HTI, (e) produce quality fruit in sufficient quantities according to market demand, (f) encourage the development of agro-industry, (g) to support improved productivity and farmers' income, (h) expanding employment and job opportunities for the community, (i) increase the activity of tourism Lake Toba both natural and agro-tourism and (j) improve the environmental quality of the region of Lake Toba and balanced development that depend on it.

In creating and implementing integrated efforts, the participation of the widest communities should be developed and prioritized. In this respect the role and function of government is as a driver and facilitator in achieving the goals of these efforts. These programs and activities are directed in particular to the development and conservation of Lake Toba region should be done in an integrated and well-planned.

It is undeniable that the program development and conservation of Lake Toba region requires no small amount of funds, while government funding is very limited. It required a special effort to explore other sources of funding such as grants from international donor agencies are concerned about the preservation of the global environment in this case is the preservation of Lake Toba as one of the world's ecosystem assets. Besides the sources of financing for development and conservation of Lake Toba region that has been there all along that in fact derived from the exploitation of Lake Toba itself as Annual Fee PT. Inalum, taxes, levies etc.. should be optimized and returned designation solely for the development and sustainability of the Lake Toba. Furthermore, the implementation of these programs, coordination among agencies and between local governments primarily in the framework of local autonomy must be improved so that there will be no overlapping, attraction, repelling authority and responsibility in the management of the construction of the Lake Toba.

Epilog

Conservation of Lake Toba region should not should not be a concern and responsibility not just the government, the public and all stakeholders around him, but also the entire nation of Indonesia and the international community. Of course we all do not want Lake Toba will no longer be one of the pride of Indonesia and the international community lost from memory decline due to its shape because the water is reduced even dries and does not show the beautiful panorama again.

COASTAL COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

COASTAL COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
By: Asrul Masir Harahap *)

Since the economic crisis triggered by the financial crisis in mid-1997, economic growth has stalled and even minus the inflation rate increased rapidly resulting in the standard of living had fallen sharply. The number of poor people and the unemployment rate increased dramatically. The poor population has now reached approximately 40% of the entire nation of Indonesia, while the unemployment rate has reached approximately 30 million labor force (approximately 15% of the population). Recovery measures and economic reforms to move the economy and restore prosperity to the community during times of crisis is now perceived slow.

The economic crisis has raised the surface of the weaknesses of the implementation of national economic development. Distortion that took place in the past has resulted in the weakening of the national economic resilience in the face of crises, causing various forms of social inequality, and inhibits the ability to deal with the crisis quickly. Less uneven spread of the implementation of development has led to growing disparities between regions, between urban and rural areas, between regions, and between the segments of society that social unrest becomes very easy and frequent.

Development of Democracy Economic

 
In the future economic development faces two major challenges, namely: first, increasing the competitiveness of the industry through increased efficiency and competitive advantage, which in turn will strengthen security and economic growth. Second, the implementation of the decentralization process of gradual economic order economic resource potential in all areas can quickly become immovable simultaneously broad economic activity and supported by the growing initiative, entrepreneurship, and entrepreneurial skills among the community.

One of the national development policy in the field of economics that mandated by the Guidelines 1999-2004 is to develop community economic system which is based on fair market mechanism to observe the principles of fair competition and economic growth, the values ​​of justice, social interest, quality of life, sound development sustainable environment and to guarantee equal opportunities in business and work, the protection of consumer rights and fair treatment for all people.

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*) Director of PPA Consultants and Regional Development Studies Center (CeRDeS)

The Guidelines are the directives embodiment National Development Program (Propenas) 2000-2004 particularly in marine and fisheries development program aimed to develop and empower the islands and coastal areas as well as improving the efficiency and productivity of fishery resources, through integrated coastal and ocean management among multiple uses in a fair, balanced, and sustainable in order to increase local income and welfare.

Special efforts to improve the welfare of society and poverty reduction has been implemented nationwide through government programs such as program development Inpres Villages (IDT) as stipulated in Presidential Decree No. 5 of 1993 and the Social Safety Net (SSN), which commenced in the year 1998/1999 after the financial crisis and a financial crisis that hit Indonesia.

Coastal Communities of North Sumatra

Based on data P3DT project, in the province of North Sumatra there are as many as 160 village categorized as backward villages. Community empowerment as a central concern of monetary and economic crisis has resulted in an increased number of poor people in North Sumatra significantly. Data from BPS North Sumatra in 1999, there were 1,674,478 people living below the poverty line or 14:21% of the total population in North Sumatra, and 657,953 families classified in the category of disadvantaged families and 1st prosperous.

In North Sumatra, coastal communities, especially small-scale fishermen and fishing workers, is one of the lowest income population groups as well as farmers. So the issue of poverty, the fisherman will always be mentioned as the object of discussion. In other words, fishing communities are the poorest members of society than other subsistence.

Poor villages in North Sumatra are generally coastal region. On  100 km long coastline,±the east coast of Sumatra as in Langkat has  there are 6 districts (38 villages) with a population numbering approximately 2500 households livelihood entirely from marine and fisheries. In general, marine and coastal fisheries by the public is done in the traditional way in which knowledge and skills are still very simple that needs to be improved.

Not only on the east coast of North Sumatra, there are also many backward villages in the west coast of Sumatra. Christmas Mandailing new districts over three years of existence, has 63 villages, of which there are 26 villages in the coastal areas or approximately 41.27%. The condition is caused more by dropping the human factor. When viewed from the potential of existing marine resources, Mandailing Natal district has considerable potential galore.  ± 170 km Long coastline that is perfect for fishing and tourism. Therefore, in the fight against poverty of coastal communities, the coastal village development efforts need to be increased through various development programs aimed at improving the economic and social welfare.

Problems in Coastal Communities

Coastal communities have a problem of life and the rhythm of a typical life. Besides faced with harsh natural conditions, coastal communities are generally dominated by the fishing communities are still struggling in the economic field problems. Generally, the problems of life in coastal communities ranging from the business capital of the weak, uncertain income due to fluctuating catches, weak bargaining position both in terms of procurement of inputs and sale of output production.

Backwardness of life of coastal communities is also caused by lack of adequate infrastructure and adequate infrastructure. Weak capacity of coastal communities or economic organization also affects the welfare of poor people. Many coastal villages are located off the beaten track so that development programs do not reach the area, lack of clean water infrastructure, transportation, information and communication.

In an effort to improve the incomes and welfare of coastal communities the programming for these activities need to involve the local community, both in the planning, implementation, monitoring to the evaluation stage. During this time many development programs that fail because it emphasizes the physical target regardless of the existence and needs of local communities. Community involvement in the preparation of the development program is very important because it will establish a positive attitude towards the program to be implemented. Another impact of community engagement is the process of learning, people would come to know, willing and able to give a correct response to the stimulus of development programs.

PEMP Program

Coastal Community Economic Empowerment Program (PEMP) to be rolled out nationally by the end of 2001 is an attempt to address the above problems. Through PEMP coastal communities with container groups have the freedom to choose, plan and establish the necessary economic activity based on consensus. Thus people feel ownership and responsibility for the implementation, monitoring and sustainability.

For Sumatra, PEMP program financed by a reduction in the fuel subsidy funds through the Department of Marine and Fisheries program will be implemented in 4 districts / municipalities in fiscal year 2001 the Deli Serdang, Asahan, Nias and Sibolga. As a new program that will run certainly is in need of assistance at the district implementation. Help is needed to coordinate with various agencies / institutions at the district and implement development activities to economic activities that will be developed by the community.

In line with the national program PEMP, should Regional Government in collaboration with the Government of North Sumatra which has the second-level and coastal communities, to plan, organize and implement the Coastal Community Economic Development program (PEMP) especially for district / city that has a beach area quite dominant but not exposed to programs such as the National PEMP Langkat district, Labuhan Batu, and partly Medan area was part of the east coast of Sumatra, and Mandailing Natal regency, Central Tapanuli and South Tapanuli most area became part of the west coast of North Sumatra . This government program will be in line with efforts to increase revenues through the marine and fisheries in this one through the instrument of Marine One Roof Unified Administration System (Samsat Kelautan). It is also relevant given the existence Samsat Kelautan of North Sumatera lately much disputed, but the purpose of existence, among others as well as to improve the well-being of coastal communities and the results will be shared for the Regency / City Government 1.25% and 0.75% of fishing communities.

Approach of PEMP Program

Implementation PEMP not only the responsibility of government alone, but need to be supported and involve all stakeholders in the development of coastal communities such as businesses, universities, NGOs / LPSM and other concerned parties. Support and involvement is more emphasis on the operational implementation of PEMP form of socialization and activities and facilitate the implementation of economic activity that will be developed by the program participants.

Socialization activities carried out at regional level and the village, which includes socialization programs for government officials and village where the implemented activities PEMP and management assistance to agencies / institutions involved in activities PEMP. Socialization programs need to be implemented to create a unified vision and mission and objectives of the activity because there PEMP new paradigm in the implementation of this PEMP when compared with similar assistance programs before. Socialization is also carried out to gain support from the district level to the village level, and community support activities which will be carried PEMP.

Support and involvement with facilitation in the form of aid / assistance PEMP management on the implementation of activities such as site selection program (village and sub-district), the selection of the target group (participants), the training for program participants as well as the supervision and guidance of economic programs implemented for program participants.

Epilog

The economic development of coastal communities should be concerned parties related to the economic empowerment of the people, not just the responsibility of government alone but also requires the participation and support of the whole society.

Repair and improvement of the local economy Sumatra coast will certainly have a positive impact for regional development in particular and national development in general, as the number of coastal communities and the potential for relatively large Sumatra. Instead, its helter-skelter backwardness and economic community beach / fishing will bring negative impact on development. Therefore, efforts to repair and improve the economy of coastal communities should be supported by all levels of society. Of course we still want to enjoy the results of the coastal areas, and equally do not want the pleasure we derive is not enjoyable and does not bring benefits to coastal communities.

BUILD PATTERN THINK OF THE FUTURE FARMERS AND FISHERMAN

BUILD PATTERN THINK OF THE FUTURE FARMERS AND FISHERMAN

By: Prof. Dr. Ir. M. Amin Aziz *)
        Ir. Asrul Masir Harahap **)

It is inevitable that farmers and fishermen still form the majority of Indonesia's population therefore remains to be the main target of the national development program. On the other hand farmers and fishermen because of the number and the potential it should provide a greater contribution to national development. Phenomena and issues surrounding the lives of farmers-fishermen lately, showing that the world is full of farmers and fishermen dynamic and constantly changing according to the demands and challenges of the times, and this is closely related to farmers think the pattern- fishermen themselves. The most common phenomenon of life of farmers-fishermen are generally their welfare level, both individually and communally, is still relatively low when compared with other individuals or groups of people, and it is a challenge for development. Portrait of the fishing village in general is a picture of poverty and squalor. While the common problems faced by them is the low productivity and incomes, caused by internal factors such as their own land increasingly marginalized, education, mastery and other technologies, as well as external factors such as marketing, financing etc..

In North Sumatra, farmers and fishermen in the constellation of regional autonomy is a local development actors is very important considering the amount of their 53.73% of the population of North Sumatra (CBS, 1999). Their contribution to local development is realized through its role in the provision of good results and industrial food production as well as in the role of the consumer products industry. Development efforts in increasing the production of North Sumatra regional and local revenue, as well as should be aimed at increasing the productivity and income of farmers-fishermen. Considerable revenue, will allow them and their families get a good education and nutritious foods that will further increase productivity, something which is indispensable in improving the competitiveness of farmers-fishermen themselves.

Increased productivity and income of farmers-fishermen by the Government through programs of intensification, diversification, and the rehabilitation and improvement of the added value of the products produced. Various policies have been issued to encourage programs such as cheap credit, construction and repair of irrigation facilities, the provision of the means of production level, production and others. These programs are essentially subsidized, which means the diversion of national resources that can be used for the development of other sectors of the farmer-fisherman. Therefore, lack of success of such programs is not only detrimental to farmers-fishermen but also detrimental to the society.

For farmers-fishermen, the subsidized program is a great opportunity, which might seem expensive at the time to come. At the time even this subsidy was greatly reduced. Interest loans to farms is increasing, irrigation water must pay, reduced fertilizer subsidies and others. Farmer-fisherman faced with new challenges that need a new mindset to deal with it anyway.

Subsistence and Commercial Farmers-Fishermen

Based on their pattern think, farmers-fishermen are divided into subsistence and commercial. Among the two types of farmers-fishermen, there are intermediate types, namely farmers-fishermen who are at an intermediate stage from subsistence to commercial.

The worldview of these two groups of farmers-fishermen is very different to the farming unit. Subsistence farmers-fishermen see farming as a production unit that will produce food for their own needs and their families daily, while commercial fishermen-farmers see farming as a business unit business unit, which should bring the highest benefit, not only to meet the needs of food supply but also other needs such as education, recreation and further investment. If subsistence farmers-fishermen do not much consider factors beyond himself, then vice versa-peasant commercial fishermen always pay attention and act to respond to the changes that occur, because the rate of profit is determined by the farming changes there.

Subsistence farmers-fishermen do not require big capital, so it is quite full of previous efforts, while commercial fishermen-farmers needed considerable capital for his business continues to grow not only in the production but also on rental equipment and processing and marketing results.

Agencies to support activities such as farmer-fishermen and marketing credit institutions not so necessary to the subsistence farmers, while the farmers-commercial fishermen, these institutions is necessary because the existence of these institutions without the position of farmers in the field of marketing will be weak result in a lower sales price. Credit institutions needed except as a source of finance for farming is also required to store the surplus obtained.

Changes of Pattern Think of Farmer-Fisherman
  
Research on the changing patterns of Sumatra think the farmers-fishermen have done well instituted research institutes and universities, but some of the data in other areas of research can indirectly provide an indicator of the occurrence of a change of thought pattern farmer-fisherman since development programs run. Indicators of change in the mindset of farmers-fishermen; First, changes in the use of quality seeds and fertilizers. The use of high yielding rice varieties in Indonesia began in 1968. Previously, farmers grow local varieties and superior national (Sigadis, Teens, Jelita, Dewi Dara, Shinta, and Bengawan). The use of new varieties PB / IR extends from year to year. If in the year 1970/1971 the use of varieties PB / IR only around 25% of the year 1980/1981 until now has been almost 100%. Along with the use of superior seeds, fertilizer usage rate also increased. Changes over the past 10 years (1970/1971 to 1980/1981) use of fertilizer has increased by about 145%. It's just because of the high price of fertilizer lately resulted in the use of manure as a major factor of production tends to decline because no / less comparable with the results achieved farming. Second, changes in the use of agricultural equipment / fishing. Change of use of agricultural tools, found in both agricultural crops and on fisheries. At sea fishing companies, the use of outboard motors up about 20% per year, and a boat ride of about 10% per year. The increase was higher than the increase in boats without motors only increased 1% per year. Change of use of agricultural equipment in food crops can be demonstrated by the increasing use of agricultural equipment such as tractors, Hand Sprayer and Rice Thresher. The use of tractors, up about 15% per year, Hand sprayer up about 15% per year and the Rice Thresher up about 20% / year. Transitional use of agricultural equipment is based on rational thinking to increase profits. As a pretty good illustration is the use of tractors for land preparation. In cultivation, a shift in the use of human and animal power with tractors. This shift occurred because of an increase in real wages for both human and animal power. In addition to less use of tractors is also faster. In one study villages, processing by using tractors per hectare until ready to plant requires 22 hours of work, the animals 73 hours, with 206 hours of human labor. Costs incurred for cultivation per hectare in the growing season in 2000/2001 was Rp 250,000, - if using tractors, Rp 300,000, - with livestock and Rp 290,000, - if with human power. Third, changes in the use of credit capital. The development of the use of credit can be seen from the increase in the amount of credit that is given by the Credit institutions operating in rural areas, such as Bank Village, Village Office and the State Pawnshop. Depth average growth of credit that is given by the Bank village is about 7%, about 54% Village Office and the State Pawnshop about 12%. These figures show that rural communities have needed capital to run its business loans. However, this growth is still relatively small when compared with the growth of the urban sector lending such as industry and trade which grew approximately 35% and 25% in the same period. Credit growth to the village barn big enough, but judging the volume of loan is small so it is not a measure to assess the development of rural credit. Lending data showed no growth Bimas even number of farmers to the debtor. In 1970/1971 the number of borrowers 1.3 million while in the year 1980/1981 the number of borrowers 1.1 million farmers, although its value is increased from 8.5 billion to 35.9 billion dollars. While the failure and breakdown of KUT program for agriculture that is often talked about these days due to many factors besides mismanagement and misappropriation, as well as technically agriculture in general to enjoy the harvest takes quite a long time, which is a minimum of three months. Furthermore, because of the capital requirements are also the government launched a capital assistance program for farmers such as Credit Food Security (CTF). Fourth, institutional development. The institutions established by farmers to meet the requirement is farmer groups, cooperatives and Village Office. Farmer group is a forum to enhance knowledge and skills of technical, economic and KUD for container barn rural credit institutions that serve a loan in the form of rice or money on rural communities. The number of Village Office was only growing at about 0.5%. Maybe there is a presumption that a small growth is due to its role has been replaced by other institutions, but if the data is associated with the role of cooperatives that have not been so evident in the middle of the village, indicating that farmers are still experiencing difficulties in developing institutions.

Challenges Facing Future Farmers-Fishermen

Some of the challenges faced by farmers in the future, both from Government Policy Changes, Changes in consumer tastes, as well as the development of the population are: first, the rise in mortgage interest. Mortgage interest for farm loans has been increased from 12% per annum to 17% per year. This hike will increase the cost of farming. The increase in loans to large investment, it inhibits investment in agriculture and agro-industry. Second, the rising price of fertilizer and water user fees. As with any loan, subsidy on fertilizer and irrigation water use will also likely be reduced because of the greater subsidies will further the government's financial burden, especially when the government has an agreement with the IMF to reduce and stop all forms of subsidies. Imposition of water fee to the farmer is the responsibility of the government delegation to the farmers. Thus the water is no longer a factor that can be obtained for free, but a factor that must be paid and should be efficient to use. Third, the narrowness of the land. High population growth, leading to ownership of land per family increasingly narrow further result in the narrowing of manufacturing sector employment. The narrowness of employment opportunities is also because of the increasing pressure on sensitive role of farm laborers labor by mechanical force. Fourth, the low prices of agricultural commodities. The low production due to farmers not good means of transport and the magnitude of the price margin. The bigger margin means the greater part of the price received by the merchant (and other trading system charges) of the price paid by the consumer for the product. It also shows the amount of margin weak position of farmers in the transaction and or the determination of prices by the government. The low prices then led to exchange of agricultural products to industrial goods declined, which means a relatively lower opinion of farmers. Fifth, the existence of competition from imported products. As a consequence of the inclusion of Indonesia to the market globally, for the export of agricultural products and the industry, we also have to open up the domestic market to the entry of agricultural products. Thus the products farmers have to compete with imported products both for the domestic market and abroad. Sixth, the quality demands of consumers. The increasing standard of living raises that increased demand for agricultural product quality / fisheries. Urban Consumers, especially community groups are able want products that clean, and free of disease. Similarly for export to the market entry, there are quality standards that must be fulfilled.

Pattern Think of Farmers-Fisherman in the Future

 
Change of mindset you need to do is to answer the challenges faced by farmers-fishermen in the future. The change seems to have occurred, as evidenced by the adoption of new technologies and tools wearing agriculture / fisheries are more modern in their business activities. However, the institutional development of farmer-fishermen still seems satisfactory, but the challenges of the future problems to be answered by the farmers-fishermen together in a strong institutional.

Mindset of farmers-fishermen should be more integral in view of its business are closely associated with the processing and marketing as many challenges to be faced by the farmers-fishermen in terms of marketing. While the challenges of increasingly high price of inputs for various subsidies revoked can be overcome by the selection of the most valuable commodities.

Thus the mindset required to contain the following elements: first, efficient in the use of production inputs. Production inputs such as land, fertilizer, medicines, equipment, capital and value water more expensive, so the input should be used efficiently, which means using the same input must produce the highest value. Sensitivity to input prices and products are very important because these prices will be directly related to the profits generated. Rational attitude and apply new technologies that have been shown previously, need to be sharpened with a sensitivity to price. Second, the market-oriented production / consumer. In the commodities that will be sold in part or in full, the farmer-fisherman should really pay attention to taste and quality desired by consumers. Thus, the product will be sold and farmers-fishermen get higher prices, thus higher profits anyway. Third, create added value. Mindset that needs to change is the idea that the activities of farmer-fisherman is in the area of ​​production. The narrowness of employment in the production sector must be offset by the creation of new jobs in the industrial sector especially rural industries that process agricultural production / fisheries. Fourth, develop institutional. Agriculture / fisheries have common interests in terms of capital, the availability of inputs at the site, input and product prices were reasonable, and marketing. Common interest is more efficient and effective when done together. Institutional firm will also increase the bargaining power (bargaining position) farmer-fisherman. Fifth, fertilizer savings and investment trust. To develop further business in both industrial production and rural peasant and fishermen need capital or a business partner. Capital and business partners will be acquired by accumulating capital from its surplus and lack of trust. Credit could also just be that the bank has confidence in the business prospects and borrowers.

Epilog

Efforts to improve the welfare of farmers-fishing is an activity that should continue to be done by all parties, especially farmers-fishermen themselves, because the farmers-fisherman is a component of the relatively even the largest in the country. Most important in the overall effort is how the farmers-fishermen pattern think is always constantly changing and evolving in accordance with the challenges it faces.

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*) Director of Agribusiness Development Center (PPA Consultants)
**) Director of PPA Consultants of North Sumatra Branch

Reflections of My days ....

Reflections  of My days ....

My days is always goes by

Inevitably my time will be more narrow 

I realized that a lot of my time being wasted 

While I was well aware that my productivity is high

Oh .... my God !

Show me straight path

Aware me that to this day has been 53 years you give me a time

Remind me toward the rest of my time to devote and serve you

So that I do not become a person who is included in the ranks of the people are ungrateful to your bounty

Oh .... My Mom and Dad !

Wherever Mom and Dad are currently located (I always pray that Mom and Dad were  placed in the best possible place)

I hope Mom and Dad always remain blessed me

Although in reality Mom and Dad not being around me

But I am convinced  that Mom and Dad’s spiritual guidance is always with me

Oh .... My days!

By the grace of Allah SWT my Lord

And spiritual guidance of My Mom and Dad

Each of my time is my charity.