Homogeneity of Livelihoods of Bajo Tribe Fishermen: Analysis of Determinant Factors of Poverty and Local Economic Empowerment Strategies

Abstract

This research aims to analyze and describe the problem of poverty in the homogeneous livelihoods of Bajo tribal fishermen and how to overcome it with several appropriate strategies. The type of research used was descriptive qualitative with a case study approach involving nine informants selected purposively. Based on the research results, it shows that the homogeneity of the livelihoods of Bajo ethnic fishermen is one of the determinants of sustainable poverty. In this research, several things were found as follows: 1) Bajo ethnic fishermen still follow mythological-cultural beliefs or traditions as sea people, making it difficult for them to adapt and switch jobs other than fishing even though their lives are in limited conditions; 2) Limited knowledge influences acceptance of changes or innovations to increase the productivity of marine catches; 3) Social network access is very limited and isolated in social, economic, cultural, educational and political conditions; 4) Limited relations with the local government influence development and empowerment policies to increase business and welfare according to the character of the Bajo tribe. Based on these findings, several recommendations for overcoming the poverty problem of Bajo ethnic fishermen are as follows: 1) Forming a household-based business that is in accordance with the characteristics of the type of fishing business; 2) Building micro-production facilities for processing marine products and marketing them only to regular customers or collectors who will sell them to other areas; 3) Increasing the Bajo tribe's residential area into a local or national tourist attraction; 4) Involving the community in the implementation of both formal and informal institutions; 5) Growing Community Self-Help Groups (KSM) as instruments of social change and a new paradigm; 6) There is synergy through alliances and cooperation between government agencies, business entities and Bajo tribal fishermen in increasing understanding and expertise; 7) Establishing facilities to support the operation of economic governance.