Indonesian Traditional Fishermen Under the Threat of the Climate Crisis

Indonesia, as the world’s largest archipelago with over 17,000 islands, has a long history closely tied to the sea. The fisheries sector serves as the backbone for many coastal communities, particularly traditional fishermen who rely on the sea’s resources for their livelihood. However, climate change has significantly impacted their lives and well-being. This article explores how climate change affects traditional fishermen in Indonesia, highlighting valid data to portray the situation they face.

Overview of Traditional Fishermen in Indonesia

According to data from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), there are approximately 2.7 million fishermen in Indonesia, the majority of whom are traditional fishermen using small boats and simple fishing equipment. Most of these fishermen belong to the lower economic class, with high poverty rates. Based on data from the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) in 2020, the poverty rate in coastal communities was around 25%, higher than the national average of 9.78%.

Most traditional fishermen live in slum areas in tidal zones, where access to clean water is often limited. They reside in overcrowded stilt houses with poor sanitation systems. These living conditions not only deteriorate their quality of life but also increase their vulnerability to diseases and natural disasters, such as floods and tidal waves.

The Impact of Climate Change on Traditional Fishermen

1. Declining Fish Catches
   Climate change has led to significant changes in marine ecosystems, including the migration of fish to deeper or cooler waters. Data from the KKP shows that since 2010, fish catches in several coastal areas have decreased by 20-30%. This forces fishermen to sail further and spend more time at sea to secure adequate catches.
2. Decreasing Income
   The reduction in fish catches directly affects fishermen’s income. According to a study by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 2018, the income of traditional fishermen in Indonesia has decreased by up to 30% over the past decade. This economic impact is deeply felt by fishermen’s families, who often lack alternative income sources.
3. Marine Habitat Degradation
   Climate change has also caused damage to marine habitats, such as coral reefs and mangrove forests, which serve as breeding grounds for many fish species. Research published by the Indonesian Institute of Sciences’ Oceanography Research Center (LIPI) in 2021 revealed that around 35% of coral reefs in Indonesia have experienced significant bleaching due to rising sea temperatures, which directly affects fish populations.
4. Increased Frequency of Extreme Weather
   More frequent and intense extreme weather events, such as storms and high waves, also threaten fishermen’s safety and increase the risk of damage to their fishing gear. These conditions not only disrupt fishing activities but also raise the cost of repairing damaged boats and equipment.

Social and Economic Conditions of Traditional Fishermen

In addition to the challenges posed by climate change, traditional fishermen also face difficult social and economic conditions. They live in environments that often lack basic infrastructure such as clean water, adequate sanitation, and healthcare facilities. These deficiencies worsen the health of fishermen and their families and limit their access to education and other economic opportunities.

The education of fishermen’s children is often neglected due to the family’s limited financial resources, which are primarily focused on meeting daily basic needs. The dropout rate in fishing communities tends to be high, perpetuating the cycle of poverty. Limited access to healthcare facilities also results in high rates of preventable diseases, such as skin infections and respiratory illnesses.

Efforts to Address the Impact of Climate Change

To mitigate the impact of climate change on traditional fishermen, several actions need to be taken:

1. Income Diversification
   The government and non-governmental organizations can assist fishermen by promoting economic diversification programs, such as aquaculture, ecotourism, or alternative skills training to reduce their dependency on fishing.
2. Sustainable Resource Management
   Implementing sustainable fishing practices is crucial. This includes regulating fishing during certain seasons and protecting critical marine habitats.
3. Improved Technology and Infrastructure
   Providing more efficient and safer fishing technology, along with improving port infrastructure and fish storage facilities, can help fishermen adapt to changing marine conditions.
4. Education and Awareness
   Raising awareness about climate change and its impacts, as well as educating fishermen on adaptation strategies, can empower fishing communities to face these challenges.

Conclusion

Climate change presents significant challenges to traditional fishermen in Indonesia, who struggle to maintain their livelihoods under increasingly difficult conditions. With data showing declines in fish catches and income, as well as substantial marine habitat damage, it is clear that comprehensive and coordinated efforts are necessary to help them adapt. Through collaborative actions by the government, communities, and various stakeholders, we can support traditional fishermen as they strive to survive and adapt to ongoing climate change.

References:

• Central Bureau of Statistics. (2020). Maritime and Fisheries Sector Statistics.
• Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. (2021). KKP 2021 Annual Report.
• International Labour Organization. (2018). Impact of Climate Change on Fishing Communities in Indonesia.
• Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Oceanography Research Center. (2021). Coral Reef Research in Indonesia.

Contributor:
Meiardhy Mujianto