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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Economy & Trade

Bengkulu Fishermen Caught Between Climate Crisis and Illegal Trawlers

From Tempo · (9h ago) Indonesian Critical tone

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Traditional fishermen in Bengkulu, Indonesia, face a dual crisis of climate change impacting marine ecosystems and the continued presence of illegal bottom trawlers.
  • A social analysis revealed that 200 traditional fishermen with small-scale vessels are suffering from damaged marine ecosystems and reduced catches due to these trawlers.
  • Fishermen are calling for stricter regulations on fishing zones and greater government attention to protect their livelihoods, which are also threatened by unpredictable weather patterns.

The future for traditional fishermen on the coast of Bengkulu is increasingly precarious. Already grappling with the severe impacts of climate change, which has altered ocean currents and temperatures, they now find themselves competing in the same waters as bottom trawlers. Despite being legally prohibited, these destructive fishing vessels continue to operate freely.

The conflict with trawl fishermen has been going on for a long time. As a result of their activities, the catches of traditional fishermen have decreased significantly.

— Teddi AmbrullahA traditional fisherman from Pasar Palik, Bengkulu Utara, explaining the impact of trawlers on his livelihood.

Recent social analyses conducted in two fishing villages, Pasar Seluma and Pasar Palik, paint a grim picture. Two hundred traditional fishermen, operating 110 small-scale boats, are facing the devastating consequences of a damaged marine ecosystem. The data starkly contrasts with official fisheries production figures, highlighting a disconnect between government statistics and the lived reality of these coastal communities.

We feel we are not paid enough attention. We hope the government will be more concerned about the fate of fishermen, not just in Seluma, but throughout Bengkulu.

— BuyungA traditional fisherman from Pasar Seluma, Bengkulu, expressing his concerns about government support and regulations.

Fishermen like Teddi Ambrullah from Pasar Palik and Buyung from Pasar Seluma voice their frustration. Teddi notes a sharp decline in catches due to trawler activity, a conflict that has persisted for a long time. Buyung expresses a feeling of neglect by the government, urging for stricter regulations on fishing zone demarcation to safeguard small-scale fishermen. He also points to the economic hardship caused by unpredictable weather, forcing them to venture further offshore with increased risks or seek alternative employment for significant parts of the year.

In a year, fishermen can now only effectively go to sea for an average of six months. The rest of the time, we are forced to become daily laborers, working in rice fields or gardens to survive.

— BuyungDescribing the economic challenges faced by fishermen due to unpredictable weather patterns.

From our perspective at Ekomarin and Kanopi Hijau Indonesia, this situation underscores a critical failure in enforcing existing regulations. The paradox of official production data versus the fishermen's reality demands immediate attention. While the government may cite overall production figures, the livelihoods of these traditional fishing communities are being systematically undermined. We urge for a more responsive and effective governance of fishing territories that prioritizes the sustainability of marine resources and the well-being of those who depend on them.

There is a struggle for territory between local fishermen and modern, inefficient ships.

— Ali AkbarChairman of Kanopi Hijau Indonesia, highlighting the conflict over fishing grounds.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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