Better welfare for fishermen sought

JAKARTA (JP): The Deputy Governor for People's Welfare, R.S. Museno, has underlined the importance of improving the welfare of fishermen living in the city.

"A well-planned strategy in fishery development with the aim of improving fishermen's welfare is needed," Museno said at a national meeting of fishery offices, which ended yesterday.

He said that fish catches by large-scale fishing companies in Jakarta last year reached 41,000 tons, part of which were exported with total value of Rp 236 million (US$108,180).

"The export activity, however, did not involve the traditional fishermen," he said.

According to city administration data there are 1,730 fishermen in Jakarta, with a monthly income of only Rp 275,000 each, he said.

The meeting was attended by 65 officials of fishery offices from all over Indonesia. (yns)