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)