Improving the Quality of People's Salt Using the Blue Economy Concept in East Java Province, Indonesia

Abstract

Assessment of the quality of people's salt in East Java Province is only seen based on color and shape, even though the NaCl level determines whether or not the quality of the salt is good. Implementing the production process is often counterproductive, with reusing "bittern" for production affecting quality. Still, some also throw away "bittern" which can cause ecosystem pollution, contrary to the blue economy concept. This study aims to determine the quality control of people's salt, the implementation of blue economy principles in the salt sector, and solutions to improve the quality of people's salt in East Java Province by considering the blue economy principles. The research approach uses mixed methods with quantitative descriptive and qualitative descriptive. Data is collected through interviews, observation, documentation, and audio and visual materials. Quantitative descriptive data analysis techniques used statistical process control and capability analysis, while qualitative descriptive data analysis used the Interactive Model, including data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing/verification. The results of this study indicate that it must improve people's salt quality control in East Java Province because the average is still in the K3 quality category. NaCl levels < 85% and 85%-89.99% and Mg levels 0.080%-0.099% are a top priority for quality control. Analysis of process capability shows that production is inadequate, and the people's salt in East Java Province has not been able to meet the quality standards for iodized consumption salt and industrial salt for various foods due to personnel, measurements, methods, materials, and environmental factors. Solutions to improve the quality of people's salt by referring to the blue economy principle through increasing the competence of farmers, preparing production SOPs, applying semi-modern production technologies, improving techniques for transferring water and raw materials, washing and recrystallization, providing assistance with production facilities, technical guidance, and having a policy for determining salt as a basic need and salt commodity reference price.