40,000 Central Java Fishermen Face Unemployment Over Non-Subsidized Fuel Price Hike

The rising cost of non-subsidized diesel fuel is creating a severe crisis for the fishing community in Central Java. Chairman of the Central Java Regional Board of the All Indonesian Fishermen's Association (HNSI), Riswanto, highlighted that approximately 40,000 fishermen are facing unemployment as a direct consequence. This isn't just a minor inconvenience; it's an existential threat to their livelihoods and the broader marine and fisheries industry in the province.

Riswanto explained that for fishing vessels larger than 30 gross tons, which rely on non-subsidized fuel, the operational costs have become unmanageable. Fuel alone constitutes a staggering 70% of the expenses for a fishing trip. This financial burden is so significant that many vessel owners are making the difficult decision to cease operations or significantly cut back on their sailing schedules. The economic impact is profound, affecting not only the vessel crews but also the entire supply chain that depends on their catch.

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So it is indeed difficult to force sailing

With around two thousand fishing vessels over 30 gross tons in Central Java, and each vessel typically employing about 20 crew members, the scale of the potential job losses is immense. This situation underscores a critical challenge facing Indonesia's vital fishing sector, where rising energy costs directly translate into lost income and economic hardship for a large segment of the population. The government's policies on fuel subsidies and pricing have a direct and immediate impact on the daily lives of thousands of Indonesian families.

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So indeed, there are approximately 40,000 people who are at risk of losing their profession or job as a fisheries crew member or ABK who have been their livelihood