10 fishermen reported missing off Central Java

Nana Rukmana, Brebes

At least 10 fishermen were reported missing on Wednesday by their families from Sawojajar village, Wanasrai district, Brebes regency, Central Java, after they went to sea two months ago but failed to return home.

"The families reported that their members had been at sea for almost two months but had not heard from them," Sawojajar village head Maksudi Maksus said.

He said he accompanied the families to report the matter to police and the local office of the Indonesian Fishermens Association (HNSI), which both pledged to search for the missing people.

Maksudi said fishermen in his village normally went to sea for a week to 10 days at the longest. "Only a few fishermen sail for up to two weeks. Those who are away for more than a month have usually had an accident or have been stranded on another island," he added.

The 10 missing villagers went fishing at the end of May on the 15 meter by four meter motorized boat, Sumber Rejeki, Maksudi said.

He said that before leaving, they said they would return after a week at the longest. "But until now, there has been no news from them. Their families are currently panicking."

Those missing were identified as Watro, 45, and his son Lopi, 16, and three brothers Nurdin, 22, Darsono, 23, and Amirudin, 20. The remaining victims were Edi Sularso, 23, Gunawan, 21, Syarifudin, 22, Susil, 28, and Hendri Gunawan, 18.

Saronah, 39, the wife of Watro, said her husband went fishing on May 28 along with others in waters off Blanakan village, Ciasem district, Indramayu regency, West Java, but had not returned yet.

Maksudi said local fishermen often operated in waters along the western part of Java's north coast, as far as Banten province.

"Some of them also fish in waters off the west coast of Sumatra. We suspect that the 10 missing fishermen are there," he added.

Separately, Tegal regental air and water police chief Adj. Comr. Seti Riono confirmed the report on the missing people from Sawojajar village.

He said his personnel were searching for the fishermen, involving officers from other related agencies and the network of fishermen operating in the Java Sea.

The search had also been widened, Seti said. "However, as of now, we still haven't found them. We shall continue with our search as far as waters off Kalimantan," he added.