Bantul fishermen suspend fishing

The Jakarta Post

BANTUL: Fishermen in Bantul regency have suspended fishing following bad weather and high waves which destroyed four fishing vessels Saturday.

A spokesman for the fishing community in Bantul, Rudjito, said all fishermen have been asked to remain alert to the bad weather and rough seas before engaging in their daily activities.

He also complained of poor conditions in the local market following soaring prices of basic commodities. "Our catch is not selling in the local market because the people have no purchasing power amid the rising prices of basic commodities."

Local fisherman Mugari, whose fishing boat was damaged by high waves, said he could not repair the damage because it would cost him at least Rp 100,000. "I have no money to repair the boat because I have stopped fishing for a few days."