KNTI says extreme weather has affected 95% of fishermen in 350 coastal villages

Jakarta, Thekabarnews.com—Extreme weather in the last few months has made life very difficult for small-scale fishermen all around Indonesia. The Indonesian Traditional Fishermen’s Association (KNTI) said that inclement weather has harmed 95% of fishermen in more than 350 coastal villages.

KNTI said that 63% of fishermen had to cease going out to sea for a while because strong gusts, heavy rain, and large waves made it too dangerous.

The KNTI central board did a survey across the country on January 23–24, 2026, in fishing communities in 41 regencies and towns in 14 provinces.

The severe weather has not only put fishermen’s lives in danger, but it has also damaged coastal infrastructure and made it harder to catch fish. Because of this, small-scale fishermen, who rely almost solely on their daily catches for revenue, are feeling the economic pressure more and more.

The chairman of KNTI, Dani Setiawan, said that the government needs to get more involved to protect fishermen. The government is responsible for protecting fishermen, as required by Law No. 7 of 2016. 

“The risks of traveling at sea are too high to bear alone in bad weather,” Dani added, Saturday, January 24.

He said that fishermen should not have to choose between putting their lives in danger and feeding their families.

KNTI urged the national and regional governments to enhance social protection programs and provide targeted assistance to fishermen affected by climate-related issues.