Domino Effect of Climate Change Felt by Karimunjawa Fishermen

Bambang Zakariya, representing the Karimunjawa Maritime Community in Central Java, states that coastal communities in Karimunjawa are experiencing significant livelihood changes due to ongoing climate impacts. From an income perspective, climate change has forced fishermen to travel progressively further to reach fishing grounds.

Several coral reefs in Karimunjawa are beginning to bleach, signalling acute stress from rising sea temperatures, pollution, and environmental changes. Some marine species have already disappeared from local waters.

“Ironically, alongside unpredictable natural conditions, Karimunjawa’s geographical location between Java and Kalimantan makes it a shipping corridor, which means we are surrounded by large-scale commercial fisheries,” Zakariya stated during an online discussion on 27 February.

Zakariya noted that Karimunjawa’s fishermen are traditional small-scale operators without large vessels. However, the waters are dominated by commercial fishermen with large boats who frequently enter traditional fishing zones using environmentally destructive methods such as trawling. “When strong winds occur and seas become rough, many of these large vessels seek shelter near the islands, which creates social problems for us,” he explained. The presence of large commercial vessels has begun affecting local customs and cultural practices traditionally observed in Karimunjawa.

Jumiati, representing North Sumatran fisherwomen, reported that climate change has made weather patterns increasingly unpredictable, forcing many fishermen in her village to stay ashore. Recent studies reveal that tropical plants have experienced flowering time shifts of up to 80 days, threatening food chains and animal survival. In Central Java’s northern waters, tidal flooding continues to occur, whilst wave heights of 1.25 to 2.5 metres have been recorded in Karimunjawa waters due to extreme weather conditions. Southern Central Java waters are also experiencing high waves, with water heights ranging from 1.25 to 4 metres.