Nanang Sutisna, Subang – Hundreds of fishermen from Java's northern coast at Blanakan, Subang district, West Java, are unable to work for a month as they cannot afford to buy fuel any more. They now work as fish carriers or transportation drivers with motorbikes.

Darman, 50 years old, said he has to store his boat on the shore of Blanakan beach after the government increased the fuel price as he needs at least 70-80 liters of diesel to operate it. "I cannot buy it any more," said Darman.

Karmidi, another fisherman forces himself to go to sea by replacing diesel with kerosene, although he knows it will damage his boat. "We have to do this. Otherwise, my family cannot eat," said another fisherman, Karla.

Mohammad Ali, head of community cooperation of Mina Fajar Sidik Blanakan, said many cooperation members cannot go to the sea after the fuel price increased. Ali suggested the government to give soft credit to fishermen. "Or, special subsidized-fuel for fishermen," said Ali.