Fishermen in debt due to weather

SERANG, West Java: Thousands of Banten fishermen unable to set out to sea regularly because of inclement weather in the Sunda Strait are surviving by borrowing money from loan sharks, Antara reported on Friday.

Fishermen in Karanghantu Port, Bojonegara, Anyer, Cinangka, Carita and Labuan told the news agency they were unable to set sail more than twice a week since the arrival of strong seasonal winds in October last year.

"We often have to cancel our plans because of huge waves, heavy rain and strong winds," a fisherman in Karanghantu complained.

In the past five months, the fishermen have been forced to sell household goods such as radios, plates and glasses to buy food commodities.