medcom.id, Jakarta: Jakarta Bay reclamation project harms local fishermen at the northern coast of the capital. Fishermen at Muara Angke Harbor revealed they have trouble in finding fish.
One Muara Angke resident, Lae, 44, said he left his job as fisherman due to low income. "I have sold my boat to start another business. I have decided to be a street vendor," said Lae to Metrotvnews.com at Muara Angke Harbor, North Jakarta, Wednesday (4/13/2016).
According to Lae, fish in Jakarta bay have decreased significantly due to the project. "Now, fishermen go further to find fish. Meanwhile, small boat cannot hold the sea wave. The further it goes, the bigger the wave," he continued.
Lae now selling drinks at Muara Angke Harbor. He said he is grateful as the income can support his family.
"It is not much, but there are buyers everyday. Not bad to buy food for my wife and child at home. I don't want to be a fisherman anymore," he said.
One fisherman, Sardi, 46, revealed his desperation in fighting against the government to stop the reclamation project. The man joined demonstration held by fishermen from Pulau Seribu, Cilincing, Kamal and Marunda in front of Jakarta City Council last month. The protest did not gain any results. "Now, I don't care what the government wants, just don't bother me," said Sardi.
According to Sardi, the Jakarta provincial government is very keen on reclamation, even though it does not give any benefits for poor people such as the fishermen. "I don't know what the reclamation is for, we can't even see the island, we were told to stay away. Whatever, I don't care," he said.
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