YUDHOYONO LISTENS TO WEST SUMATRA FISHERMEN'S COMPLAINTS

Padang, West Sumatra, June 22 (ANTARA) - Presidential candidate Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono during an electoral campaign here on Monday listened to complaints from local fishermen on the illegal use of potassium toxin for fishing.

"We ask your help to stop the use of potassium (for catching fish en mass)," Edy, a local fisherman, said in a campaign dialog attended by Yudhoyono, at Purus Beach, here, on Monday.

Yudhoyono was flanked by Mrs. Ani Yudhoyono, his youngest son Edy Baskoro, and Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) President Tifatul Sembiring, in the campaign.

Edy complained because fisherman from outside Padang also catch fish in the coastal area designated especially for local traditional fishermen.

Commenting on the complaints, Yudhoyono said the central government would continue to protect traditional fishermen.

The traditional fishermen's protection must be given by the central government as well as by governors, district heads and mayors, Yudhoyono said in the event attended by hundreds of fishermen and their relatives.

Another fisherman complained that it was very difficult for him to get bank credits.

In response to the complaint, Yudhoyono said the government had provided people's business credits (KUR) worth Rp10 million maximally since several years ago.

During the campaign, the presidential candidate from the Democratic Party also visited several fish stalls and talked with fish traders.

"How much for these tuna fish?" he asked, adding that he wanted to buy all the fishes.

"I will buy these fishes. Mention an appropriate price and my staff will pay you ," he said.

He also bought fish from several other fish traders, who were very happy because of the presidential hopeful bought their fish.

The General Elections Commission (KPU) has set schedules for closed-door campaigning from June 2 to 10, and mass rallies from June 11 to July 4, 2009. The presidential elections will be held on July 8, 2009.

Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who pairs with Boediono, are competing with other candidates, namely Jusuf Kalla and Wiranto, as well as with former president Megawati Soekarnoputri and Prabowo Subianto in the upcoming presidential race.