Fuel Crisis Forces Fishing Industry Shutdown in Central Java
In Pati, Central Java, hundreds of fishing vessels have been forced to dock as rising fuel prices bring local fishing activity to a near standstill.
Non-subsidised diesel has reportedly reached around 30,000 rupiah per litre, sharply increasing operational costs and forcing many fishermen out of work.
“We aren’t going out to sea; we’ve effectively become unemployed,” Januri, a local fisherman, said, adding that income levels have dropped sharply as costs continue to rise.
He also called for intervention on fuel pricing, arguing that current levels are unsustainable for small-scale fishermen.
“My message to the government is to lower the price of diesel by 50%… we simply cannot manage if the price stays this high,” he said.
Local Fishermen Describe Severe Economic Pressure
Another fisherman, Edi Waluyo, described the situation as severe, saying daily income has disappeared entirely and boats are now forced to remain idle. He said the rising cost of diesel has placed an ‘incredibly heavy burden’ on local fishing communities.
Footage from the harbour shows boats tied up along the shoreline, with activity significantly reduced as crews are unable to afford going out to sea.
Regional Energy Disruptions Add to Supply Chain Strain
The strain on fuel supply chains comes amid wider energy market disruptions across the region. The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has triggered a severe energy shock for ASEAN states, many of which remain heavily reliant on imported oil and natural gas.
In response to disruptions to energy supplies, the Philippines declared a national energy emergency on 24 March, while Indonesia and Vietnam introduced energy rationing measures.
