Rescuing Fishermen from Loan Sharks

As a sea product trader, Syaripuddin prefers to help fishermen rather than enrich himself. He does not want fishermen to become ensnared by loan sharks. Since 2000, he has provided loans for fishermen in Kotabaru, South Kalimantan, to support their fishing activities.

KOMPAS/JUMARTO YULIANUS

Syaripuddin

As a sea product trader, Syaripuddin, 56, prefers to help fishermen rather than enrich himself. He does not want fishermen to become ensnared by loan sharks. Since 2000, he has provided loans for fishermen in Kotabaru, South Kalimantan, to support their fishing activities. The loans for the fishermen are interest-free, non-binding and can be repaid in installments at any time.

At present, no fewer than 70 fishermen are boat owners who are in direct contact with Syaripuddin, who is familiarly called Haji Punding. They surely will come to Syaripuddin if they have any financial difficulties prior to going out to sea. Each boat needs Rp 10 million to Rp 15 million before going to the sea.