West Java fishermen sink beneath high operating costs

Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Indramayu

Fishermen on West Java's north coast have complained that their operating costs since the increase in fuel prices have become unbearable, and said they hoped the government would soon disburse fuel compensation funds so as to help them out.

Kartisa, 48, a fisherman in Indramayu regency, revealed that his operating costs had risen by 30 percent since the fuel price hikes took effect on March 1.

"I used to spend between Rp 18 million and Rp 20 million (US$2,200) a month on operating expenses, but after the fuel price hike, I'm now spending Rp 26 million a month," he said.

The money is used to provide meals for between 10 and 20 crew members, and to purchase fuel, fishing equipment and other necessities.

"But some 60 percent of the money goes on fuel," said Kartisa.

"It has caused us a lot of problems. In order to help us to cope with the problem, the government should proceed pay the fuel compensation money to us," said Kartisa.

The problem has not only affected Kartisa, but also some 30,000 families in Indramayu regency alone.

Similar concerns were also expressed on Wednesday by Carsa, a fisherman living in Cirebon regency.

Before the fuel price hike, he and his three or four colleagues spent between Rp 90,000 and Rp 110,000 a day on expenses. But now, his group has to spend between Rp 130,000 and Rp 170,000 a day.

"I haven't heard anything about a compensation fund. But, if it exists, the money would be a great help to us," said Carsa.

The fuel price hikes were announced by the government and took effect on March 1, despite some protests. As a result of the increases, fuel prices rose by an average of 29 percent.

The government has said that the increases were essential given rising international fuel prices, and would eventually lead to more funding for welfare programs, encourage more efficient fuel use and prevent fuel smuggling.