PEMBERDAYAAN MASYARAKAT NELAYAN KECIL 5 GROSS TONNAGE DI DESA KARANGSONG KECAMATAN INDRAMAYU KABUPATEN INDRAMAYU

Abstract

his study analyzed the community empowerment of small-scale fishermen with vessels under 5 GT (Gross Tonnage) in Karangsong Village, Indramayu Regency, identifying program effectiveness and its influencing factors. Utilizing a qualitative-descriptive approach, primary data were gathered through semi structured interviews with 8 key informants and direct observations of fishermen's activities. Secondary data were obtained from official documents, local government archives, and empowerment program reports. This study evaluated the empowerment process based on Edi Suharto's 5P theoretical framework. The results indicated that within the Enabling, Empowering, and Supporting aspects, the government and related institutions had provided access to fishing zone information, literacy training, and infrastructure assistance, although the distribution remained uneven and not fully inclusive across all levels of fishermen. Regarding Protecting, the social security program (BPJS) successfully offered occupational safety reassurance. However, in the Maintaining aspect, sustainable mentoring remained a weakness due to the sporadic nature of the programs. The discussion concluded that while empowerment was driven by high fishermen motivation and rapid technological adaptation, it was concurrently hindered by administrative constraints and a lack of public facility maintenance. Strengthening inter institutional coordination and ensuring consistent mentoring are required to achieve sustainable independence for small-scale fishermen.