Rumbadi Dalle, Batam – The average income for Indonesian fishermen is still below the average regional minimum wage. Indonesian Fishermen Association chairman Yusuf Solichin Martadiningrat said a fisherman earns only about Rp 300,000 a month.

The low earning is due to inadequate fishing equipment and the low price of fishery products. Yusuf has called on the government to provide capital support.

Yusuf also urged the police to continue investigating a case involving the swindle of Rp 1,5 billion belonging to the fishermen's funds out of a Rp 4,1 billion.

The money was taken by board chairman of the Indonesian Fishermen Association, Hermawan. The money was to compensate the financial loss caused by the sinking of Hyundai 105 boat in Batam waters. Black oil that is polluting Batam waters allegedly originated from this boat.