Fish traders complain of high cost of ice

JAKARTA (JP): Fish traders of the Muara Angke port in North Jakarta are complaining about the sharp increase in the price of ice from only Rp 3,500 (US$0.31) per block to Rp 6,000 at present.

"Ice blocks are badly needed, so as to maintain the freshness of our fish," Kurniadi, 35, one of the fish traders in the area, told Antara.

He said that the sharp increase in the cost of ice had forced the traders to spend more.

Hudori, 36, one of the ice sellers in the port, said, however, that despite the increase, the demand for ice remained high in line with abundant fish catches.

"My ice sells well despite the price increase," he said, adding that he sells 75 blocks per day.

Kurniadi said that besides being burdened by the price increase, he and several other fish traders were faced with difficulties in obtaining capital to expand their businesses.

To get new capital they were frequently forced to borrow from someone known as the "boss", who would later receive Rp 200 for every kilogram of fish sold. (hhr)