Big waves keep fishermen at bay

Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post/Bantul

Strong winds and huge waves have prevented hundreds of fishermen in Bantul regency from going to sea over the past two weeks.

"The winds are strong and frequently swirl during the transition period between the dry and rainy season this year.

"The huge and rolling waves are dangerous to the boats used by fishermen here. We would rather stay at home rather than take the risk," said Mugari, 31, a fisherman from Samas.

Forced to stay at home by the weather, the fishermen have been unable to earn money, putting their households in limbo.

Many fishermen in the area have begun looking for new jobs so they can support their families.

Some are now working as parking attendants and drivers. Others are simply staying at home and borrowing money where they can as they wait for the weather to improve.

"Some fishermen will borrow money and will pay their loans after they go out fishing again," said another fisherman, Mujiyo.

However, some fishermen have braved the wind and the waves, driven by the need to earn money. Mugari recalled that three fishermen went to sea recently, but they had nothing but bad luck.

"Their boat was hit by a wave and capsized. They were fortunate just to survive," he said.

With the fishermen staying at home, the stocks are running low at fish markets in Bantul regency.

The situation has forced fish traders to turn to Gunungkidul regency, some 85 kilometers from Yogyakarta, where the waters are relatively calm and the fishermen have been able to continue working.

With fish supplies running low at markets, prices have naturally risen. A kilogram of snapper that used to cost Rp 10,000 now costs Rp 12,000.

"Due to an increase in wholesale prices, we have had to raise prices so as not to lose money," said Menik, a fish trader.