Better welfare for fishermen sought

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)