Female Fishers in North Sumatra Face Difficulties at Sea Due to Climate Change

A representative of female fishers from North Sumatra, Jumiati, has highlighted how climate change is making weather patterns increasingly difficult to predict, impacting numerous fishers in her village who struggle to venture out to sea safely.

Formerly, fishers were able to forecast weather conditions to ensure safe sailing. However, weather has now become unpredictable, with high waves significantly increasing the risks faced by fishers when at sea.

“On land, things may appear normal, but out at sea, there can suddenly be strong winds, high waves and so forth,” Jumiati said during an online discussion on Friday, 27 February.

She recounted that in 2025, eleven fishers from various sub-districts left their homes to fish in seemingly good weather conditions. However, once at sea, they encountered strong winds and high waves. Unfortunately, these fishers were not equipped with safety equipment to prevent them from falling into the water. Given that the weather proved unpredictable, their boats capsized and the fishers went missing. Some bodies were later discovered in waters near other villages.

“In 2026 as well, unpredictable weather continues to occur to this day. In several sub-districts, the river mouths where fishing boats enter and exit have also shifted. Weather changes can cause these mouths to become clogged with sand or shrink, making it difficult for fishers to venture out to sea,” she explained.

“This means that when tides are favourable, they can leave freely, but today they must face some obstacles just to go out to sea,” she added.

Jumiati stated that this issue requires special attention from the government. She hopes for awareness campaigns or the use of equipment that could help save fishers whilst at sea.