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by Susan S - see also
notebook pages 37-40

COMMENTS ON THE FISHING VILLAGES OF
SUNGAI BUNTU AND DESA CEMARA JAYA [[underlined]]

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this paper is to provide information on the social and economic conditions of the women who live in the fishing villages in the Sungai Buntu area and possible ways to improve their economic livelihood and raise living standards by means of introducing a community development programme.

The information was gathered on a four day visit between 4th - 7th May.

BACKGROUND

The economic growth that has been experienced in some sectors of the population in regard to increase in household income and therefore improved living standards does not appear to be shared by people living in coastal fishing communities. The two fishing villages visited were Sungai Buntu and Desa Cemara Jaya. Both are located on the north coast, 100 km east of Jakarta in the district of Karawang.

The villages are situated on a stretch of coast line 15 km in length. Pusaka Jaya Utara (not visited) is approximately 6 km to the east of Sungai Buntu. Desa Cemara Jaya is 6 km to the west.

On the tambak areas between the villages are small groups of fishermen who either work as labourers for tambak owners or go out each night and walk their nets (Subuh) for prawns. They are very poor being very dependent upon weather conditions for income.

Approximately 2,000 families live[[strikethrough]]s[[/strikethrough]] in the 15 km stretch. They rely on ocean fishing, aquaculture in coastal brackish fishponds, or working on sawah fields.