Institutional Challenges and Resource Potentials of Seaweed Aquaculture in Takalar, Indonesia

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the resource potentials and institutional challenges of Eucheuma cottonii seaweed aquaculture in Takalar Regency, Indonesia. A descriptive qualitative approach was applied using field observations, indepth interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis. Data were examined through descriptive analysis and institutional mapping to explore the interaction between resource availability and governance structures. The results show that Takalar has extensive and seasonally adaptive cultivation areas that enable continuous production through spatial mobility among farming households. Seaweed aquaculture is labor intensive and significantly contributes to the coastal economy, with women playing a major role in postharvest activities. However, productivity remains relatively low due to traditional farming practices, declining seed quality, and limited post-harvest facilities. Institutionally, formal organizations such as farmer groups, cooperatives, and village-owned enterprises have not functioned effectively, while informal institutions, particularly collectors, dominate financing and marketing, resulting in farmers’ economic dependency. The novelty of this study lies in its integrated analysis of resource potentials and institutional gaps at the local level, demonstrating how abundant resources coexist with weak formal governance. This institutional perspective provides strategic insights for strengthening inclusive and adaptive governance in sustainable coastal aquaculture development. N.