Kiara Opposes Plan To Hike Subsidized Fuel Prices

Jakarta, Sept 26 (Antara) - The People`s Coalition for Fisheries Justice (KIARA) has opposed the government's plan to increase the prices of subsidized fuel for traditional fishermen from early next year, citing it will hamper their welfare. "We hope the President-elect Joko Widodo, or Jokowi, will not raise the subsidized fuel prices, but will improve its management and distribution among the traditional fishermen," Kiara coordinator for education and network strengthening Selamet Daroyni said here on Friday. Since its establishment in 2003, Kiara has been committed to the welfare and protection of the fishermen groups and the people living in coastal regions and small islands. Selamet explained that since the implementation of the subsidized-fuel-distribution-restriction policy, the traditional fishermen had been finding it difficult to go fishing. "Raising the subsidized fuel prices will only increase poverty, particularly among the traditional fishermen and coastal dwellers, as the cost of fishing will become burdensome," he said. "The government should study and overcome the irregularities in fuel distribution since a major portion of the subsidized fuel is enjoyed by the businessmen and fishery industry," he stated.