Womens Group of Kulati Village Developing Economy based Conservation

Tomia, Wakatobi, Sulawesi Tenggara, December 2021 - In commemoration of Indonesian Mother's Day on December 22, 2021, the Nusantara Nature Conservation Foundation (YKAN) gave appreciation to mothers in the country who have actively supported nature conservation efforts, including those in Wakatobi Regency.

The marine area of Wakatobi Archipelago is located in the Coral Triangle region, the center of the world's marine biodiversity. This condition makes fishery resources very abundant and must be used sustainably. One of the important actors in this effort are women. In this regard, YKAN together with the Department of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of Wakatobi Regency, the Wakatobi National Park Office, Jasa Raharja, and the Ecotourism Group of Kulati Poassa Nuhada Village provided assistance to several women's groups, including the Padatimu To'asoki Group in Kulati Village, East Tomia District, Wakatobi Regency.

The Padatimu To'asoki group was established in July 2021, consisting of 12 housewives in Kulati Village. The purpose of the establishment of the group is to improve the ability of its members, including in the business sector of the economy. They began to develop a product in the form of simba fish crackers (Caranx ignobilis). “We chose simba fish as the basic ingredient for crackers because this fish is one of the types most commonly caught by traditional fishermen on Tomia Island. Simba fish are usually found in October - December and February - April. From the results of the deliberation, checking of raw materials, and public interest, we chose simba fish crackers," explained the head of the Padatimu Group, To'asoki Yulianti Rahman.

After going through a series of activities, ranging from potential identification, institutional strengthening, production training, and recipe trials, simba fish crackers will be launched in October 2021. To ensure that simba crackers are widely accepted by consumers, this product has been equipped with Home Industry Food License (PIRT). Although still relatively new, this group has gained many customers outside Tomia Island, even to Papua and Halmahera. The price of this fish cracker is quite affordable for the local community, which is Rp. 10,000 per pack. “Women's empowerment is an important aspect in development. Through this program, women's groups are expected to be able to develop a local economy based on the potential of natural resources in a sustainable manner,” explained YKAN Director of Development and Marketing Ratih Loekito.

To support efforts to use marine resources wisely and sustainably, the Padatimu To'asoki Group has made a conservation agreement. One of the important points is that simba fish as the basic ingredient for crackers must be caught using environmentally friendly and non-destructive tools. "From this activity, we learn that if a conservation area is managed properly, it will be able to provide economic and ecological benefits for the local community," concluded YKAN Director of Marine Program Muhammad Ilman.