Potential Conflict of Small-Scale Fishermen on the North Coast of Java: Case Study of Muarareja village, Tegal, Central Java, Indonesia

Abstract

Fishing conditions on the North Coast of Java are known to experience overfishing; This then has an impact on low fisheries productivity which then triggers conflicts between fishermen, increases the poverty of fishermen, and threatens the food security of coastal communities whose livelihoods are very dependent on fish resources in the sea. Therefore, this study examines potential conflicts among small-scale fishermen in the use of fish resources and its impact on food security also the resolution of these conflicts. The method used is a qualitative approach supported by quantitative data. Data analysis refers to the structural-functional theory and conflict theory. The study results show that conflicts for livelihood mostly occur among small-scale fishermen. The forms of conflict that small-scale fishermen often perpetrate are vandalism and petty theft, with protests or sanctions that are given only to be silenced because coastal fishermen on North coast of Java still uphold Javanese culture, which prefers to live in peace and harmony. Some of the actions taken to secure food when conflict inevitably occurs are diversifying livelihoods, utilizing locally available food sources, maintaining applicable Javanese norms and customs as well as high utilization of social capital among small-scale fishermen. Conflict resolution among small-scale fishermen is usually carried out by simply being silent and forgotten over time or through deliberations mediated through religious leaders, rich fishermen (upper layer), and wise old fishermen. The dynamics of conflicts that occur among small-scale fishermen do not appear much because the existing conflicts are more latent.