Local Wisdom-Based Marketing of Mahakam River Fish Commodities in West Kutai Regency, Indonesia

Abstract

Mahakam River fisheries in West Kutai Regency play an important role in supporting food security and the local economy. However, fish marketing faces challenges, including long marketing chains, weak bargaining power among fishers, and increasing pressure on fisheries sustainability. This study analyzes the marketing structure of Mahakam River fish commodities and examines the role of local wisdom in supporting the sustainability of fisheries. Stakeholders interviewed included fishers, fish farmers, village collectors, market traders, and retailers. A descriptive approach was used to analyze marketing channels, marketing margins, fisher’s share, and marketing efficiency. The study involved 45 informants, with quantitative and qualitative methods used for data analysis. Fieldwork was conducted in Muara Pahu, Penyinggahan, and Jempang districts, which are important hubs for capture fisheries and aquaculture and are located near the Mahakam River and Lake Jempang. Four main marketing channels were identified, involving fishers, collectors, retailers, and consumers. Fisher’s share ranged from 62.41% to 67.23%, with the highest share recorded in Channel II. Marketing margins ranged from USD 0.50 to USD 0.61 per kilogram, with Channel I record the largest margin. Marketing performance was influenced not only by channel length but also by costs, services, risks, and price-setting arrangements. Local wisdom, including village rules, seasonal knowledge, restrictions on destructive fishing gear, and community-based monitoring, supports fish-stock sustainability and community-based fisheries governance. Integrating local wisdom into fisheries marketing can enhance efficiency, fisher welfare, and fisheries sustainability in West Kutai.