REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Marine and Fisheries Minister Sharif Cicip Sutardjo is of the viewpoint that traditional fishermen should continue to get sufficient amount of fuel oil subsidy since it is a vital component for earning their livelihood.

"We have held three meetings to fight for the cause of traditional fishermen, so that they may get subsidized diesel oil for earning their livelihood," Sutardjo noted in a written statement made available to Antara on Thursday.

The minister emphasized that subsidized diesel oil for fishermen was very important as it comprised 70 percent of the total fishing costs.

He stressed that if fuel oil is expensive for the traditional fishermen, they will not be able to fish, and it will lead to stagnation in the fishery processing industry.

Sutardjo also opined that the fate of the fishermen was similar to the farmers who got subsidized seeds and fertilizers.

"Therefore, subsidized diesel oil for fishermen is very important," the minister affirmed.

Earlier, the People's Coalition for Fishery Justice (Kiara) Secretary General Abdul Halim stated here on Wednesday that management of energy subsidy should be evaluated, so that traditional fishermen in various areas do not bear the brunt.

"Evaluation of energy subsidy management policy, particularly fuel oil for fishermen, should be really right on target," the Kiara secretary general noted.

He added that the policy on the restriction of fuel oil subsidy was detrimental to the well-being of traditional fishermen.

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