Trawl Boats Rampant, Fishermen Complained

The presence of numerous trawl boats in coastal areas of Jakarta is complained by the fishermen whose income becomes decreasing because of it. In addition, trawl boats are also jeopardizing coral reef ecosystems.

This is about livelihood. We fishermen are small people, please don’t trick us. If things go like this, I’m worried my friends would lose control and clash happen

The operational of those trawl boats makes hundreds of fishermen questioned the commitment of North Jakarta Husbandry, Fishery, and Maritime (P2K) Sub-Department in doing control. They assessed the officers are not responsive in responding their reports because the trawl boat owners are still catching fish freely.

Although North Jakarta P2K Sub-Department has issued decision that starting early June trawl boat is prohibited to sail on Jakarta waters, some fishermen caught trawl boats did so on Tuesday (7/8). Not only that, the situation around CIlincing Fish Auction Site (TPI) also had heated up.

Fishermen Complained Polluted Jakarta`s Sea

Dariman (36), a fisherman living in RT 03/04, Cilincing Urban Village, Cilincing Sub-District, North Jakarta, said that the fishermen often saw trawl boats operating around Cilincing waters as well as on the estuary of Cakung Drain River.

“Earlier, fellow fishermen had dispelled a trawl boat when passing on the estuary. They (trawl boats) have been seen several times,” he told, Thursday (7/10).

Dariman admitted that he and other fishermen had happy when trawl boat was prohibited to operate on Jakarta waters. Unfortunately, trawl boats were not operating for two weeks only.

“This is about livelihood. We fishermen are small people, please don’t trick us. If things go like this, I’m worried my friends would lose control and clash happen,” he uttered.

Responding this matter, Head of North Jakarta P2K Sub-Department, Sri Hayati, admitted has received reports on trawl boats operating on Jakarta waters. For that, her department has coordinated with water police.

“In law enforcement, (to catch trawl boats) must caught them red-handed. While all this time we patrol, we didn’t find any trawl boat. But, we have coordinated with water police. Now, one trawl boat has been caught,” she stated.