Klungkung Fishermen Idle for Three Months Due to Bad Weather and Subsidised Fuel Access Issues

Fishermen in Pesinggahan Village, Klungkung, Bali, have been forced to stop fishing for three months. Besides the weather, they also complain of difficulties in purchasing subsidised fuel.

“We have been on a break for three months now because of this weather. If we force ourselves to go to sea, it is also difficult to catch fish,” said Wayan Gede Sukadana, a fisherman, when met on the coast of Gowa Lawah Beach on Thursday (30/7/2026).

High waves, strong winds and unpredictable rain have caused the fishermen based at Goa Lawah Beach to lose their income. Some of them have tried to brave the high waves, but ultimately returned with empty nets.

Besides the physical effort of getting on and off the boat, Sukadana admitted that his biggest loss comes from fuel. On a single fishing trip, he can use up 15 to 20 litres of fuel.

“One purchase is IDR 150,000. So the loss is roughly around that, plus labour costs,” Sukadana said.

Sukadana also complained about the lengthy process of obtaining a letter to purchase subsidised fuel. The letter is only valid for three months and applies to only one filling station.

“Sometimes it takes a long time. Plus, it is only valid for one petrol station,” Sukadana explained.

Having been unable to fish for months, the fishermen there have been forced to switch jobs to keep their kitchens running. They have also been forced to borrow money to meet their daily needs.