Across many coastal regions of the world, traditional
fishing practices have been passed down through generations, reflecting the
close relationship between local communities and the sea. Beyond their role in
providing food and livelihoods, these traditions often embody cultural values,
local knowledge, and unique social experiences that can attract visitors
seeking authentic cultural encounters. One such tradition can be found along
the southern coast of Java, Indonesia, where coastal communities continue to
practice a centuries-old activity known as nyalawean.
Along the southern coast of Java, communities in Sukabumi
and Banten have long practiced a unique coastal tradition known as nyalawean.
This tradition involves the collective catching of young fish around beaches
and river estuaries, usually carried out by local communities in groups.
The word nyalawean comes from selawe, meaning
twenty-five in Javanese. This refers to the timing of the tradition, which is
commonly associated with the 25th day of the lunar calendar. For coastal
communities, nyalawean is not only about catching fish. It is also a
social gathering, a cultural activity, and a reflection of the close
relationship between people, the sea, and estuarine ecosystems.
What makes nyalawean particularly distinctive is that it
focuses on catching larval and juvenile fish during a specific period of their
life cycle, rather than targeting adult fish as in most traditional fisheries.
The tradition is also closely linked to the lunar calendar and is carried out
collectively by entire communities, including children, teenagers, and adults.
This combination of ecological knowledge, seasonal timing, and strong community
participation makes nyalawean a unique cultural practice rarely found in other
coastal tourism destinations.
A preliminary study conducted along the southern coastal waters of Sukabumi and Banten found that nyalawean is practiced in several coastal and estuarine areas, including Cikaso, Ujung Genteng, Karanghawu, Cimaja, Cisolok, Cibareno, and Bayah. The activity usually involves people of different ages, from children and teenagers to adults. During nyalawean, local communities use traditional fishing gear such as rectangular lift nets or triangular scoop nets to catch young fish in coastal waters and estuaries. The catch generally consists of fish larvae and juveniles, locally known as impun. These young fish may include glass eels as well as larvae and juveniles from goby and sleeper fish groups.
Beyond its ecological and fisheries aspects, nyalawean also
has strong cultural tourism potential. The tradition often attracts visitors
who come to enjoy the beaches of southern Java. In the study, interviews with
887 tourists showed that 94.8% expressed high enthusiasm for the nyalawean tradition.
Many tourists were interested in watching the activity, joining the fishing
process, and even tasting processed young fish prepared by local
communities. For many visitors, the attraction lies not only in observing
a traditional fishing practice but also in experiencing local coastal culture
firsthand. The opportunity to participate in the activity, learn about the
relationship between communities and estuarine ecosystems, and taste locally
prepared fish dishes creates a unique combination of cultural, educational, and
culinary experiences.
To better understand public perceptions of the tradition, a
field survey was conducted between April and August 2023 across several coastal
and estuarine tourism destinations in Sukabumi and Banten, including Cikaso,
Ujung Genteng, Karanghawu, Cimaja, Cisolok, Cibareno, and Bayah. Researchers
interviewed 887 tourists using an incidental sampling approach, in which
visitors encountered at the study sites were invited to participate. Data were
collected through direct interviews focusing on tourists' awareness, interest,
and perceptions of the nyalawean tradition.
This finding suggests that nyalawean could be
developed as a distinctive form of marine cultural tourism. Unlike conventional
beach tourism that focuses mainly on scenery, swimming, or recreation, nyalawean offers
visitors a direct experience of local maritime culture. It combines coastal
landscapes, community participation, traditional knowledge, and local culinary
practices.
However, developing nyalawean as a tourism
attraction requires careful management. Since the activity involves the capture
of young fish, tourism development must consider ecological sustainability,
responsible fishing practices, and the long-term health of coastal and estuarine
ecosystems. Without proper management, increased tourism could put additional
pressure on fish populations and local habitats.
Therefore, nyalawean should not simply be promoted as a spectacle for tourists. It should be developed as an educational and sustainable cultural tourism experience. Visitors can learn about coastal traditions, fish life cycles, estuarine ecosystems, and the importance of maintaining balance between cultural heritage and environmental conservation. With thoughtful planning, community involvement, and responsible tourism management, nyalawean has the potential to become one of the unique cultural attractions of southern Java. More importantly, it can help preserve local maritime heritage while supporting sustainable marine tourism in Sukabumi and Banten.
Article
title : Preliminary Study: The
Potential of the Nyalawean Tradition as a Form of Cultural Tourism in The South
Coastal Waters of Sukabumi and Banten, Indonesia
Writer :
Lecturer at Marine Tourism Study Program,
Vocational School, Universitas Padjadjaran, Indonesia
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