The climate crisis could hurt Indonesia’s economy and food supply

Jakarta, Thekabarnews.com—The Indonesian Traditional Fishermen’s Association (KNTI) has said that if nothing is done right away, protracted periods of extreme weather could hurt Indonesia’s national food supply and maritime economy.

In addition to affecting catch fisheries, extreme weather has also negatively impacted aquaculture and salt production. KNTI’s survey showed that fish farmers in Tegal, Pemalang, Kendal, Karawang, and Bekasi lost money when floods filled their ponds and let fish swim into other bodies of water.

Salt farmers in East Lombok and Jepara also said that their production and income were going down because of problems with the weather.

The chairman of KNTI, Dani Setiawan, emphasized that fishermen need more than just weather forecasts. They need real economic and social support to get through climatic shocks.

“Fishermen need social and economic protection so they do not have to go out to sea in bad weather just to meet their daily necessities,” Dani added.

KNTI asked the central and regional governments to work together on the following: 

• Better social safety nets for fishermen
• Ensure specific assistance during emergencies.
• Help with adapting to and reducing climate change. 
• Coastal areas will recover from the recession faster.
• Fixing up damaged infrastructure along the coast

Dani said that a drop in fish capture, aquaculture output, and salt production might impact the whole fisheries supply chain.

“This condition could threaten national food security and slow down progress in the marine and fisheries industry,” he said.

He also said that it was important to improve community ties and work together between fishermen and government agencies to make sure that Indonesia’s coastal livelihoods can last in the long term, even though climate change is becoming a bigger danger.