Pirates harass Cilacap fishermen

Pirates harass Cilacap fishermen

CILACAP, Central Java: A gang of armed pirates have been
terrorizing fisherman here in the past two weeks, police and a
cooperative leader said on Monday.

Chief of local police Lt. Col. Andi Lolo estimated the number
of the pirates at about 70. He said the pirates, who were in
trawlers, usually intercepted fishermen as they were on their way
home.

"Some fishermen told us the pirates were armed with sharp
weapons, such as swords and machetes. The fishermen offered no
opposition because they were outnumbered," Andi said.

No deaths have been reported in the incidents.

Andi said some 2,000 fishermen had stopped working due to fear
of the pirates.

The head of Minosaroyo fishermen's cooperative, Rosikin, told
The Jakarta Post that as a result of the piracy, the weekly
output of 200 tons had decreased by 10 percent. He estimated a Rp
2.2 billion (US$328,300) loss.

Banyumas Police chief Col. Isnandar said a special team had
been deployed to apprehend the pirates. (45)