Muaragembong, Bekasi Task Force: Fishermen Are Prohibited From Fishing

Fishermen wearing masks in Pantai Bahagia Village, Muaragembong District, Bekasi Regency, West Java. (Pradita Kurniawan Syah/Antara)

JAKARTA - The COVID-19 Handling Task Force in Muaragembong District, Bekasi Regency, West Java prohibits fishing activities for residents to limit fishing activities during the implementation of the Emergency Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM).

"We make sure that in our area, which is a coastal area, we follow the rules and regulations of the Emergency PPKM, including stopping fishing activities", said Head of Muaragembong Sub-district Lukman Hakim, Sunday.

Lukman said he had instructed all relevant officials to socialize and take action against residents who were found to have violated the provisions of the Emergency PPKM. He asked all residents to obey the rules.

"This fishing ban does not only apply to our residents but also outsiders who often come here to fish", he said.

Prior to the Emergency PPKM period, he said, many residents, both local and immigrants, came here on purpose to fish in the area. This activity creates a crowd that has the potential to spread COVID-19.

"Usually every weekend, both Saturday and today (Sunday) it is always crowded with anglers. Officers will immediately disperse when they see the activity", he said.

Lukman said that for more than a year the government announced the COVID-19 pandemic, the area has always been in the green zone for the spread of the coronavirus.

"Just this week, we entered the yellow zone after almost two years of the pandemic. We have always been in the green zone before. We want Muaragembong to return to green soon", he said.

It also limits the mobility of fishermen who go to the sea every day, not to cut off their livelihoods but solely for the safety and health of the residents.

"To reduce mobility, minimize crowds, as well as prevent the transmission of the coronavirus", he said.

In addition, officers are also alerted at the border point between Bekasi Regency and Karawang Regency to monitor residents' mobility activities. Officers check every motorist who passes either in or out of the area.

"In Pantai Bakti Village, for example. There are several small bridges and sledding boat lanes. We also monitor and block the mobility of residents at that location", he said.

Lukman admitted that 50 percent of the total population of Muaragembong District, around 45.000 people, have now been injected with vaccines as an effort to protect residents from the potential spread of COVID-19.

He also hopes that the spread of the coronavirus in the Muaragembong District area can be suppressed by mutual awareness in implementing the 5M health protocol, namely wearing masks, washing hands, maintaining distance, avoiding crowds, and reducing mobility.