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| Illustration by Ai |
Papua Study Highlights Critical Role of Sentani Fisherwomen in Local Economy
A 2026 study by Marlina Flassy and Abner Herry Bajari from Cenderawasih University Jayapura reveals that traditional fisherwomen in Asei Kecil Village, Jayapura Regency, play a central role in sustaining small-scale fisheries and household economies around Lake Sentani. Published in Jurnal Multidisiplin Madani (MUDIMA), the research shows that despite their major contributions, these women still face structural barriers such as limited access to capital, technology, and decision-making power—issues that directly affect community welfare and sustainable fisheries management.
Background: Women at the Heart of Small-Scale Fisheries
Across Indonesia and other developing regions, small-scale fisheries are vital for food security and livelihoods. Women are deeply involved in these systems, particularly in post-harvest activities like processing and marketing fish. However, their contributions often remain invisible in official statistics and policy frameworks.
In Papua’s Lake Sentani region, fishing is not only an economic activity but also part of cultural identity. Indigenous Sentani women traditionally use khayi—small boats designated for women—to fish and collect aquatic resources. This cultural connection underscores their long-standing role in managing natural resources and preserving ecological knowledge.
Asei Kecil Village exemplifies this dynamic. Located along Lake Sentani, the community depends heavily on fishing, with women actively engaged in catching, processing, and selling fish. Yet development policies have historically focused on male fishermen, leaving women’s roles underrecognized.
How the Study Was Conducted
The researchers used a qualitative descriptive approach to capture real-life experiences of fisherwomen.
- Location: Asei Kecil Village, East Sentani District, Jayapura Regency
- Data collection: In-depth interviews, field observations, and documentation
- Participants: Fisherwomen, community leaders, and local government representatives
- Analysis: Data reduction, presentation, and conclusion drawing with cross-verification (triangulation)
This method allowed the authors to explore both economic activities and cultural dimensions of women’s roles in fisheries.
Key Findings: Women Drive the Fisheries Value Chain
The study identifies fisherwomen as essential actors across multiple stages of the fisheries system:
- Active participation in fishing:Women engage directly in catching fish using traditional tools such as nets, rods, and handmade traps.
- Dominant role in processing: Fish are often turned into smoked or dried products, increasing their market value and shelf life.
- Key players in marketing: Women sell fish in local markets and through social networks, ensuring steady household income.
- Custodians of ecological knowledge: They preserve traditional knowledge about fishing seasons, locations, and sustainable practices.
- Household financial managers: Women often control income allocation, supporting food, education, and healthcare needs.
These roles demonstrate that fisherwomen are not merely supporting actors but central to economic resilience in fishing households.
Persistent Challenges Limit Empowerment
Despite their contributions, several structural barriers remain:
- Most women rely on small personal funds and struggle to access formal financial institutions.Limited access to capital:
- Lack of modern equipment:Absence of motorized boats and advanced tools reduces productivity.
- Restricted decision-making power: Traditional leadership systems are male-dominated, limiting women’s influence on resource management policies.
- Insufficient training opportunities: Skills development in business management and digital marketing is still lacking.
These constraints prevent fisherwomen from scaling up their economic activities and achieving full empowerment.
Real-World Impact: Why This Research Matters
The findings highlight the importance of integrating gender perspectives into fisheries development policies. Strengthening women’s roles can deliver multiple benefits:
- Economic resilience:Increased income stability for fishing households
- Sustainable resource management: Use of traditional ecological knowledge supports conservation
- Improved social welfare: Women tend to allocate income toward family well-being, including education and health
- Inclusive development: Greater participation of women leads to more equitable community decision-making
The study suggests that targeted interventions—such as improved access to credit, training programs, and institutional support—could significantly enhance both women’s empowerment and the sustainability of fisheries in Lake Sentani.
Expert Insight
The authors emphasize that empowerment must go beyond economic participation:
Flassy and Bajari of Cenderawasih University note that while fisherwomen actively contribute to household income, “access to capital and participation in decision-making remain limited,” highlighting the need for stronger institutional and policy support.
Author Profile
- Marlina Flassy – Researcher at Cenderawasih University Jayapura, specializing in community empowerment and gender studies in indigenous societies.
- Abner Herry Bajari – Academic at Cenderawasih University Jayapura with expertise in social development, fisheries communities, and participatory research methods.
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