Fishermen Social Movements in West Sumatra: Issues, Actors, and Tactics of the Movement

Abstract

The objectives of this study are to examine the main issue that provoke social movement of fishermen in West Sumatra, to identify the related actors, and to analyze the advocacy strategy carried out by fishermen. This research was conducted in July 2019 and took place in two locations, namely the City of Padang and West Pasaman Regency. The study used qualitative approach. From this study, it is revealed that the main issue that provoke social movements in West Sumatra was the issue of Regulation No. 71 of 2016 by the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries related to the prohibition of certain fishing gear. This regulation prohibits the use of 4 mm mesh size of the net and the use of lamps in operating the liftnet which reaches up to 25-30 thousand watts of power. This regulation has created a huge burden to fisherman’s work. The Other issue that is also triggering the movement was the arrestment of 6 fishing boats on June 11, 2016. Meanwhile, the main actors who are directly related to this movement are fishermen who are using liftnet (bagan). These actors can be divided into two main categories, namely movers and "participants". The main tactic used in social movements was demonstration.

The Dynamics of Fishermen's Organizations: Formations and Movement Against Prohibition of Large-net Usage Policy in Indonesia

“…Fishermen organizations have different functions depending on their scope and objectives. Some organizations focus on ensuring sustainable harvesting of fisheries resources by regulating fishing activities and setting quotas (Pintassilgo et al, 2008), while others aim to protect the rights, strengthen the socio-economic standing, and improve the welfare of fisher members (Hapsari et al, 2020;Lestari, 2019;Manulu, 2016). Fishermen organizations can also function in the prevention of illegal fishermen, non-reporting fishermen, and unregulated fishermen, which refers to fishermen activities that do not comply with or contradict the management or conservation measures applicable to a particular fishery (Latun et al, 2013).…”

“…Organizations are essential tools of struggle. Therefore, it is not surprising that organizations are often also closely related to social movements (Hapsari et al, 2020). Social movements are present as a means of rejecting injustice to ensure survival above the environmental damage that occurs (Suwarno, 2016).…”

“…[Social] movements among fishermen in Indonesia became more frequent after the end of the New Order era (Hapsari, et al, 2020). This was due to the degradation of marine resources and the environment, as well as the poverty of fishermen during the New Order (Kingseng, 2017).…”

“…This was due to the degradation of marine resources and the environment, as well as the poverty of fishermen during the New Order (Kingseng, 2017). The Fishermen's Social Movement often emerges in response to issues faced by fishing communities, such as declining fish catches (Pathurrahman, Hadiyanor, Hairini, & Tabitha, 2022), reduced access to fisheries resources (Tiro, Irianti, & Wardani, 2023), unfair exploitation in the fish supply chain, or policy changes that disadvantage fishers (Hapsari, et al, 2020). The fishermen's social movement begins with increased awareness among fishermen about the issues they face and the consequences to their lives (Lestari, 2019).…”

Socio-cultural Change and Conflict in the Coastal and Small Island Community in Indonesia

“…Kemarahan para nelayan akhirnya memuncak ketika aparat keamanan menangkap enam kapal nelayan pada tanggal 11 Juni 2016. Oleh sebab itu, pada tanggal 25 Juni 2016 sekitar 5.000 orang nelayan mengadakan demonstrasi menuntut dibolehkannya penggunaan bagan di Sumatera Barat (Hapsari et al, 2020). Mereka berdemo di depan kantor Dinas Kelautan dan Perikanan Propinsi, Kantor Gubernur, dan Kantor DPRD Sumatera Barat.…”