Nippon Paint Melukis Kapal Nelayan di Mundu Cirebon untuk Memperingati HUT ke-79 RI

As Indonesia celebrates its 79th Independence Day, various creative ways are being employed to commemorate this significant event. From decorating residential areas to organizing competitions and hosting art performances, these activities serve as expressions of gratitude and pride for the Indonesian people on the occasion of Independence Day, which falls on the 17th of August each year.

One unique way in which hundreds of fishermen in the village of Mundupesisir, Mundu District, Cirebon Regency are celebrating Independence Day is through the tradition of ‚Sedekah Laut‘ (Sea Offering). This age-old tradition among coastal fishermen is a gesture of thankfulness, blessings, and abundance from the sea, which has long been their source of livelihood. Alongside this event, the fishermen adorn their boats with various decorations inspired by the colors of the Indonesian flag, red and white, and parade them in the Java Sea in the Mundupesisir village area.

Mark Liew, the General Manager of the TU Division at Nippon Paint Indonesia, expressed the company’s commitment to supporting the fishermen through the ‚Red and White Fisherman Boat CSR‘ initiative. Nippon Paint has donated 76,860 liters of wood and iron paint, Bee Brand 1000, and Nippon Copper Paint Anti-Fouling for the refurbishment of 5,124 fishing boats scattered across various coastal areas in Indonesia. The colors used for the boats are ‚Merah Merdeka 1945‘ (Red Independence 1945) and ‚Brilliant White 1001‘ (Clean White).

„Our hope for the future is that for the maritime warriors, their boats will not only become more beautiful but also make the appearance of the boats new, worthy, and maximize their long-term function,“ said Mark Liew on Friday, August 16, 2024.

In addition to the aesthetic enhancement, the fishermen’s boats are also coated with Nippon Copper Paint Anti-Fouling to protect the wooden boats from marine organisms that adhere to the hull.

Iswandi, the Chairman of the Fishermen’s Association in Mundupesisir village, expressed his gratitude for the initiative by Nippon Paint, stating that it has brought many benefits to the fishermen, especially in supporting their economy. With boats that are repainted, not only is the beauty enhanced, but the durability of the boats is also increased.

„This is crucial because a well-maintained boat means fewer repair costs, allowing us to focus more on our basic needs. Additionally, a boat that looks new and clean boosts our confidence when we sail,“ Iswandi remarked.

Thanks to the commitment and consistency in the ‚Red and White Fisherman Boat CSR‘ program since 2022, Nippon Paint Indonesia has broken a record and received an award from the Museum of Records Indonesia (MURI) in the category of the Most Red and White Fisherman Boats Painted. The certificate of recognition was presented by Osmar Semesta Susilo, the Director of MURI, to Mark Liew, the General Manager of the TU Division at Nippon Paint Indonesia. During the ceremony, Osmar congratulated Nippon Paint on breaking the record.

In conclusion, the ‚Red and White Fisherman Boat CSR‘ initiative by Nippon Paint Indonesia not only adds vibrancy to the celebration of Indonesia’s Independence Day but also contributes significantly to the livelihood and well-being of the coastal fishermen, showcasing the spirit of unity and pride among the Indonesian people.