'Those who pollute the sea should go to jail'

The warning against the consumption of fish and clams caught in Jakarta Bay has hurt the fishing industry. However, there has been no clear explanation of what killed thousands of fish washed ashore on the beaches of Ancol, Kamal Muara and the Thousand Islands since May 7, prolonging public anxiety. The Jakarta Post asked a few residents for their opinion on the issue.

Sanan, 45, is a staff member of a state junior high school on Jl. Gunung Sahari, Central Jakarta. He lives in Serpong district, Tangerang regency:

Well, I have heard for some time that Jakarta Bay is highly polluted by toxic waste. It is a poorly kept secret that many firms still dump their industrial waste directly in the sea.

Initially, I didn't think seriously about it. But the recent report about the discovery of dead fish made me afraid. I have also have read experts' opinions on the health risk posed by eating fish from the bay.

I still eat the seafood that my wife cooks. She argues that fish traders claim the fish is not from Jakarta Bay -- and other people still consume seafood. But I'm still a little bit worried.

Martina, 34, works for a private bank in Bogor. She lives with her husband in Cempaka Putih, East Jakarta:

Fortunately, we don't eat seafood because we both are allergic to it. So we don't feel like something is missing from our menu.

I'm concerned more about the pollution issue and the fate of the fishermen.

I think the government and experts have to work hand-in-hand to find out what is really happening in Jakarta Bay. A friend of mine told me that the red-tide phenomenon could only occur if the sea had been severely polluted.

As soon as the experts determine the problem, the government should find a solution, including sending those who polluted the sea to jail.

The government should also help the fishermen to find other place to fish, at least until the bay is clean again.

--The Jakarta Post