The fishery sample census succeeded in providing a good deal of useful data on socio-economic aspects of the marine fishery as well as brackishwater culture, which were never clearly known in the past. They are summarized below with a view to facilitating the establishment of more authentic fishery development programmes.
6.1.1 Dual structure of the marine fishery
The small scale fishery is the major component of the marine fishery, comprising 98.3 percent of the total number of RTP/PP. Owing to its low productivity, however, it produces only 62.4 percent of the catch in quantity or 70.1 percent of catch in value, Naturally, the living level as well as the income level of small scale RTP/PP are very low.
The medium scale fishery is becoming more and more important in the marine fishery in terms of production. Although the number of medium scale RTP/PP is only 1.7 percent of the total, it produces 37.6 percent of the catch in quantity or 29.9 percent of catch in value. As its productivity is quite high, the living level as well as the income level of medium scale RTP/PP is much higher than that of small scale RTP/PP. Hence, the medium scale RTP/PP pose few social problems.
The foregoing may well reveal the necessity of establishing two different policies and measures; one for the small scale fishery and the other for the medium scale fishery.
6.1.2 Expansion of marine fishery production
The north coast of Java and the Malacca Strait coast of Sumatra are the areas most densely populated by small scale fishermen. Therefore, if the productivity of fishermen in these areas is to be increased so as to improve their income and living conditions, measures to reduce the number of existing fishermen should be considered. Thus, for example, the transmigration of fishermen from these areas, to other areas, where the potential of fisheries resources is still high, can be recommended. An expansion of the medium scale fishery in these areas should not be encouraged unless untouched or underexploited fisheries resources are found beyond sea areas which are already in use by the small scale fishery.
The east coast and the west coast of Sumatra and the south coast of Java are the areas where the marine fishery is far less developed. The expansion of the marine fishery could be possible on these coasts, if the existence of untouched or underexploited resources are assured. However, owing to a lower population density on the east coast and the west coast of Sumatra, any plan to expand the marine fishery on these coasts may have to be coupled with the establishment of an adequate fish marketing route with Java.
6.1.3 Manpower problems
Overemployment of hired fishermen poses a serious problem for the small scale fishery in increasing its productivity. This situation has made the income not only of fishing operators but also of hired fishermen extremely low. The north coast of Java is the area where the small scale fishery is most seriously affected by this problem.
To improve the productivity of fishermen and hence to increase their income, the number of fishermen may have to be reduced by appropriate ways mentioned in 6.1.2 above. In actual fact, however, the number of fishermen is increasing, especially in Java, although there are signs that in Java some youths from fishing operator's households are taking up work outside fisheries.
The extremely low educational attainment of fishermen poses another serious problem, especially in developing a small scale fishery either socially or in a scientific manner. Such an educational problem is present, particularly on the north coast of Java.
All the above problems cannot be settled by the fisheries administration alone. To solve them the establishment of close collaboration between the Directorate General of Fisheries and other government organizations concerned may be indispensable.
6.1.4 Fish marketing problems
In Java, fish auction markets are developed to some extent. In provinces such as West Java and Central Java, where fish auction markets are relatively well developed, a higher price for fish is being realized, resulting in a higher total sale and hence higher income to fishermen. In view of this fact, further expansion in the number of fish auction markets should be programmed.
However, an increase in the number of fish auction markets alone may not be effective, unless other related facilites, such as fishing harbours, ice plants, cold storage, water supply, transportation facilities of fish to its consuming area, etc., are provided.
On the Malacca Strait coast and the east coast of Sumatra, specific dealers are the marketing channel most dominantly in use. Because of that, fishermen are liable to be exploited by them. This is due to extremely poor development of fish auction markets on these coasts. A greater part of the catch in dried form is shipped to Java owing to the surplus of fish production. A marketing system specifically suited for such a condition may have to be sought and developed.
6.1.5 Measures to increase income of small scale fishermen
Mechanization of fishing boats definitely increases the income of fishermen and hence improves their standard of living. However, the mechanization of fishing boats alone, without taking into account other relating factors may cause serious social problems especially in areas such as the north coast of Java and the Malacca Strait coast of Sumatra, densely populated by small scale fishermen. The mechanization may lead to the reduction of hired fishermen and hence may make the problem of underemployment or unemployment more serious.
There may be several other measures by which the income of fishermen could be increased without boat mechanization. For example, the labour cost for hired fishermen could be reduced by the use of labour saving equipment to handle fishing gear. The material cost for fishing nets could also be reduced by exemption from the import tax. Improvement of fish auction marketing, which is particularly well linked with fish-consuming areas and supply of sufficient ice at cheaper price may also improve the price of fish to be sold by fishermen.
The income source of fishermen is not limited to the fishery. Fishermen may be able to increase their income by engaging in jobs other than fishing. Public works to construct fishing harbours, cold storages, ice plants, connexions to trunk roads, etc., may give additional job opportunities to fishermen. Establishment of fish processing plants to produce better quality fishery products may also give another job opportunity to fishermen. Every possible effort should also be made to develop mariculture, which may also increase the income of fishermen.
6.1.6 Fisheries credit
Considering the total amount invested for fisheries, the present level of public loans seems to be insufficient. Hence, the enlargement of funds for public loans may be needed. Awarding public loans should not be limited to the mechanization of fishing boats, since this will benefit only a few fishermen.
It may be more worthwhile if public loans can be granted to public works, through which as many fishermen as possible can enjoy the facilities. With this in view, a fisheries cooperative would be the best organization for awarding public credit. If that is so, the strengthening of the activity of existing fishery cooperatives, as well as the creation of new cooperatives, may have to receive greater attention. The type of projects for this purpose may be the construction of landing facilities, auction shelters, ice plants, workshops for small engines, etc.
With the enlargement of the size of the public credit system in this way, a large number of exising private loans mainly from fish dealers could be gradually eliminated.
6.2.1. Improvement of productivity per hectare
The use of pesticides and fertilizers, especially organic types like cow dung, rice bran, coconut oil cake, etc., should be encouraged, as the low productivity of BWFC in Indonesia is mainly due to the non-use or insufficient use of these materials.
If both pesticides and fertilizers cannot be used for the time being due to the financial limitation of BWFC holdings, at least the use of pesticides should be encouraged. This will surely improve the survival rate by eradicating predators in the pond. The cost required for pesticide is far smaller than that for fertilizer.
Attempts should be made to increase the manpower input of large scale holdings, as one of the main reasons for the lower productivity of large scale holdings is considered to be the lower manpower input per ha. In this regard, an institutional improvement of large scale holdings which will lead to an increase of manpower input might be considered, e.g., by converting management from the “Own account” basis (individual management) to partnership of fishery cooperative.
6.2.2 Promotion of polyculture
Polyculture, with an intentional stocking of both milkfish and shrimp, should be encouraged with a view to increasing income of BWFC holdings, as well as to make BWFC an export oriented industry. A good quantity of present shrimp production from BWFC without its intentional stocking shows the possibility of developing such a polyculture.
6.2.3 Necessity of extension service
Extension service limited to technical guidance as to how to improve the productivity of BWFC may not be very effective due to the general poverty of BWFC holders, unless such technical assistance is rendered in conjunction with financial aid. In order to improve the productivity of BWFC a good amount of working capital is required for the material input as mentioned and for the improvement of pond structure. In this regard a type of BIMASS project, as has been developed in agriculture, should be considered.
6.2.4 Supply of fish seed
Supply of milkfish fry in sufficient quantity, on time and at a reasonable price is a prerequisite for the development of BWFC. In this regard (i) whether or not Indonesia as a whole is capable of producing a sufficient quantity of natural milkfish fry to meet its increased demand and (ii) whether or not the present marketing system of milkfish fry is appropriate are very important issues. As the present census could not clarify these issues due to the nature of its survey methodology, some additional surveys and studies are required.
