Rp 1 B, Loss Suffered by Fishermen Because of Diesel-fuel Limitation
Reported by Budhi Firmansyah Surapati | Translated by Rini Elvira
The 20 percent limitation on diesel-fuel supply imposed by central government causes devastating effects to the fishermen in Muara Baru and Muara Angke, North Jakarta. Since they are having difficulties to get diesel-fuel, their vessels cannot be used to go fishing. For that, the loss they suffered reaches Rp 1 billion per day.
If calculated with their daily income, the nominal of loss reaches Rp 1 billion. Not to mention the damages on the vessels due to being docked too long
In Muara Angke Port alone, it is recorded there are 1,478 vessels. From that amount, 500 vessels cannot go to the sea. In addition, about 10,000 vessel crews (ABK) are now losing their livelihoods.
Chairman of National Pursein Fisherman Association, James T, told that at this time all Bunker Fuel Filling Station (SPBB) in Muara Baru Port are running out of diesel-fuel.
Diesel Fuel Run Out, Fishermen Protest in Muara Angke“Every vessel has 20-40 crews who each can reap Rp 100 thousand per day. But by not going to the sea, they get nothing. Now, about 10,000 vessel crews lose their livelihoods. If calculated with their daily income, the nominal of loss reaches Rp 1 billion. Not to mention the damages on the vessels due to being docked too long,” he uttered, Thursday (9/4).
Chamid (50), an operator in SPBB 370101, admitted that since diesel-fuel supply is limited, many fishermen vessels do not get the fuel.
“Usually we got 1,000 kilo liters of diesel-fuel, but now only 500 kilo liters. As a result, many (fishermen vessels) cannot be served,” he said.
Responding on this matter, Head of Jakarta Fishery, Maritime and Agriculture Department, Liliek Litasari, disclosed that same situation is also experienced by the fishermen in Muara Angke Port. At this time, only 10 out of 250 vessels can be served.
“The fishermen have complained about this to us. We also have tried to look for solutions on what they are experiencing right now,” she stated.
According to Litasari, Pertamina now has released supply for December to be used this September. She hopes it would be the best solution to overcome diesel-fuel limitation problem.
