The role of women in the management of marine products and economic strengthening of Bajo families in the Muna islands sea settlement, Southeast Sulawesi

Guidance and Counseling Study Program, Universitas Muhammadiyah Buton, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: berkas.umb0925038401@gmail.com

Abstract

This study explores the role of Bajo women in managing marine products and supporting the family economy in the coastal settlements of the Muna Islands, Southeast Sulawesi. As part of a marine-dependent community, Bajo women are actively involved in seafood processing and marketing, yet their contributions are often overlooked. Using a sequential exploratory mixed-methods approach, this research involved 10 Bajo women in Tapi-Tapi Village. Qualitative data were obtained through interviews, observations, and documentation, while quantitative data used a Likert scale questionnaire. The findings reveal that Bajo women perform various roles—from cleaning to marketing seafood—while adapting to challenges such as fluctuating catches and adverse weather. Constraints include fatigue, health issues, and unpredictable yields. A training program titled "Processing and Preservation of Seafood" improved participants’ technical skills in sanitation, packaging, and marketing, with an average skill score increase of 1.5–1.7 points. This led to a 40% production increase and a rise in monthly income from 750,000 IDR ($47 USD) to 1,350,000 IDR ($85 USD). Furthermore, women reported greater confidence in decisionmaking and marketing roles. The study highlights the dual role of Bajo women as both household managers and economic actors in sustaining family welfare and marine resource resilience.