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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Economy & Trade

Indramayu Fishermen Park Ships, Unable to Afford Diesel

From Tempo · (1h ago) Indonesian Critical tone

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Hundreds of fishing boats in Indramayu, Indonesia, remain docked, leaving thousands of fishermen unemployed due to the soaring price of non-subsidized diesel fuel.
  • Fishermen report that the price of non-subsidized diesel has dramatically increased from Rp 16,000 to Rp 27,000 per liter, making it financially unviable to go to sea.
  • They are appealing to the government for a special, lower price for non-subsidized diesel specifically for fishermen to survive.

The fishing community in Indramayu, West Java, is facing a severe crisis as exorbitant fuel prices force hundreds of boats to remain docked and thousands of fishermen into unemployment. The dramatic surge in the cost of non-subsidized diesel, from Rp 16,000 to Rp 27,000 per liter, has made traditional fishing expeditions financially impossible. For vessels over 30 gross tons, which require this fuel, the cost of a single trip can run into billions of rupiah, far exceeding potential earnings from fish catches.

Harga solar nonsubsidi naiknya gila-gilaan. Kenaikan itu mencekik nelayan.

— KajidinChairman of the United Fishermen of Pantura, describing the impact of the fuel price hike.

This situation is particularly dire as the price of fish has not kept pace with the rising operational costs. Fishermen report that even with substantial catches, the income generated is insufficient to cover the fuel expenses, let alone the costs of supplies and crew wages for extended voyages. The choice is stark: either risk financial ruin by going to sea or face immediate hardship through unemployment.

Harga ikan tidak bisa mengimbangi biaya melaut, terutama harga solar.

— KajidinExplaining that fish prices have not increased to match the rising cost of fuel.

From our perspective at Tempo, this is not merely an economic issue but a threat to the livelihoods of a significant segment of the Indonesian population. The fishermen's plea for government intervention, specifically a tiered pricing system for non-subsidized diesel that is lower than industrial rates but higher than subsidized ones, is a reasonable request for survival. The government must recognize the critical role of the fishing industry and provide targeted support to prevent the collapse of this vital sector. Ignoring their plight risks not only widespread unemployment but also a significant disruption to the nation's food supply and economy. The image of hundreds of idle boats is a powerful symbol of the distress faced by these hardworking individuals.

Kami berharap pemerintah memberikan harga solar nonsubsidi khusus nelayan, dengan besaran diatas harga subsidi tapi dibawah harga solar industri.

— KajidinRequesting government intervention for a special diesel price for fishermen.
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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