Advancing fish auctions: The Alikan Mobile App as a catalyst for sustainable blue economy in Ternate islands

Abstract

This study addresses the challenges of inefficiencies and manipulative practices in traditional fish auctions in Ternate islands, North Maluku, through the development of the ALIKAN mobile application, utilizing a agile-based software development methodology. As a pioneering solution in the North Maluku region, ALIKAN revolutionizes fish auction processes by facilitating online transactions, ensuring fair pricing, and expanding market access. The application's development entailed a thorough analysis of existing auction practices and an iterative agile process development, followed by rigorous black box testing to ensure more 80% functionality and reliability. The empirical results of the study are showed ALIKAN has led to a 5 to 7 % increase in operational efficiency and a 2 to 5 % increase the income of local fishermen, it has significantly boosted community engagement, with an increase in participation in sustainable fishery management and improvement in the conservation of marine resources. The study in Ternate demonstrates effectiveness in advancing Indonesia's local fishing industry, suggesting significant potential for nationwide replication, emphasizing technology integration for a sustainable and equitable blue economy.