Governor Koster supports arak farmers in Karangasem to increase production

21 September 2020
Insight
Karangasem

*The Governor of Bali, I Wayan Koster (center), while attending a face-to-face event with Karangasem arak artisans and craftsmen in Tirta Gangga, Sunday (20/9/2020) / Photo: tribunbali.com*

Karangasem, NetizenBali.com - The Governor of Bali, I Wayan Koster, emphasized that the Governor Regulation (Pergub) No. 1/2020 concerning the Management of Balinese Fermented Drinks or Distillations, aims to protect the arak craftsmen especially in Karangasem. This statement was made by the governor when he met the Karangasem arak farmers in the Tirtagangga area, Sunday (20/9/20).

The governor said that attention was given, because he saw that many Karangasem residents were working as arak farmers.

"This Pergub was issued for the existence of Balinese arak in order to remain sustainable. Now the legal protection is in place, and arak farmers don't need to worry anymore about marketing their products", said Koster as quoted by balifaktualnews.com

Along with the increasing demand, Koster asked arak farmers to be able to increase their production. The trick is to cultivate fast-harvesting coconut, namely hybrid coconut, he explained.

"I have also asked the Department of Agriculture to procure hybrid coconut seeds, which within 4 years will be harvested. We do this as an effort to expand arak production in Bali, especially in Karangasem", he concluded.

Furthermore, the Governor will assist arak farmers in terms of capital and procurement of equipment to develop their business. "I am ready to facilitate in finding low interest capital, including the procurement of equipment. But if it can be maintained by using traditional equipment", said Koster. [Net]