The administration of Central Java is deliberating a draft for a bylaw aimed at “protecting” local fishermen by providing access to technology and financial assistance to increase catches.

Without elaborating on the details of the draft, Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo said the bylaw would cover aspects that would empower fishermen to improve their livelihoods.

“We must improve the lives of fishermen. They should not just go out to sea to hunt fish. We must ensure that they can catch fish [efficiently],” he said in Semarang, Central Java, on Monday.

Ganjar said fishermen running small-scale operations needed to be equipped with the right technology and additional skills, including on marketing, to boost their productivity and eventually their income.

Central Java is home to some 53,000 fishermen, most of whom work with little capital. A fisherman requires between Rp 400,000 (US$28.4) and Rp 500,000 per day to fish.

The governor said the bylaw would also give fishermen better access to capital. 

“They need fresh money daily, and they need it quickly. But because it’s a small amount of money, it’s very difficult to get a loan from the bank. [The bylaw] will offer a solution or mechanism to allow them to get the capital they need,” Ganjar said.

He also expressed hope that the provincial council could pass the draft before its term ends in April, when the legislative election will take place.

Association of Indonesian Fishermen chairman Riyono welcomed the deliberation of the draft bylaw, saying it was an important tool to protect small-scale fishing operations.

The proposed bylaw is based on Law No. 32 of 2014 and Presidential Instruction No.15 of 2011 on fisherman’s protection.

“I have been recommending [such a] bylaw for three years. The draft represents our concerns,” Riyono said. (swa/swd)

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