Re-Thinking Indonesian Fisheries Policy: Empowerment of a Hidden Asset for Sustainable Fisheries in West Pasaman District, West Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of culture on the utilization of natural resources with particular attention to the fisheries industry. The fisheries sector is significantly affected by externalities resulting from unsustainable fishing practices. In order to overcome this, the fishing environment needs to be preserved and protected. This study explores the role of Indonesian local wisdom in achieving sustainable fisheries. The role of local wisdom, encompassing cultural capabilities, technological and knowledge systems, religion, traditions, social capital including ethics, environmental wisdom, norms, and legal institutions, is crucial in resource utilization, this mainly explains that farmers’ lifestyles cannot be completely replaced. Local wisdom has both direct and indirect economic effects and it has contributed to the conservation of the environment and the prevention of environmental degradation. This cultural practice is used to balance exploitation and capture with potential for processing, making it a vital factor for local communities striving for fisheries sustainability. The aim of this study is to assess sustainability in the presence of local wisdom and to develop scenarios for the achievement of sustainability. "We employed Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) with the RAPFISH application and Participatory Prospective Analysis (PPA) to assess the sustainability status and identify the main attributes that have a dominant contribution to the economic, technological, social, ethical and governance dimensions. This research has identified and measured the sustainability status of the fisheries sector, which has not been done in previous studies. The sustainability score resulting from this analysis is 49.67, indicating poor sustainability performance, highlighting the importance of local knowledge and mitigation of ecosystem damage. Empowering customary rules and local wisdom, alongside mitigating ecosystem damage, is crucial; therefore, a deeper analysis is required to formulate effective fisheries mitigation strategies. This research shows that West Pasaman Regency in West Sumatra Province is a highly suitable location for the development of a Minapolitan area. Its distinctiveness arises from the local wisdom, which satisfies the criteria for being designated as a Minapolitan zone according to the guidelines set out in Regulation No. 12 of 2010, as articulated by the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. Minapolitan incorporates region-specific fisheries development principles that combine economic and social elements to provide a practical, long-term solution to achieving sustainable fisheries.