Study of mechanisms and income differences of octopus fishermen on the Bhanto Bhenta's local wisdom application in small islands areas

Abstract

Bhenta-bhanto is local wisdom in catching octopus by fishermen from small islands in the Wakatobi Archipelago. This study aims to explain the mechanism of the bhenta-bhanto's local wisdom and to find out the differences in fisherman income before and after the local wisdom is applied. The research occurred in Darawa Village, South Kaledupa District, Wakatobi Regency, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. The research was conducted in March-December 2021. Research data were collected through observation, interviews, and literature study. Data were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively using income analysis and Paired Sample T-Test. Based on the results of this study, it is known that the bhenta-bhanto is local wisdom in the form of an open and closed system for octopus fishing areas. The paired sample T-Test analysis shows differences in the income of octopus fishermen when the local wisdom of bhenta-bhanto is applied and when the local wisdom is not.