Navy steps in to combat piracy

CIREBON, West Java: The Indonesian Navy is stepping up patrols along the northern coast of Java in a bid to crack down on piracy and increasing reports of clashes between fishermen.

Cirebon Naval Base chief Col. Budhi S. Yitno said here on Thursday that a total of seven ships -- three warships from the Jakarta Navy base and four patrol boats from Cirebon -- would be deployed to patrol the busy waters.

Pirates have become an increasing menace with reports of three hijackings reported in March around Cirebon.

Budhi claims there are at least five pirate groups using fast motorboats that operate around Cirebon alone.

Another source of concern is the intensifying rivalry between fishermen along the northern coast.

Last week four fishing boats owned by fishermen from Indramayu and Cirebon were set on fire by fishermen from Serang. The four boats were judged by the Serang group to be overfishing as each was hauling some 50 tons of fish, even though the boats were designed to hold no more than 10 tons. --JP