The relationship between crab meat picking work and the human development index: A literature review on women workers

Zahrani, Shafa Rizka

Journal Gender Equality Disability Social Inclusion and Children
Vol. 3 No. 2: (January) 2026

Background: Blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus) is one of Indonesia’s major fishery export commodities, with its processing—especially the crab picking work—being predominantly carried out by coastal women. This post-harvest activity plays a vital role in supporting both household and community-level economies, particularly in fishing villages. However, crab picking remains characterized by low wages, informal labor status, and limited access to social protection. Methods: This study analyzes the relationship between crab picking labor and the Human Development Index (HDI), focusing specifically on women’s contributions to education, health, and per capita household expenditure. Using a qualitative method with a descriptive approach through literature review, the research draws on secondary data related to the roles of women crab pickers in the Northern Coastal region of Java. The study also incorporates analysis of men’s roles in the broader crab supply chain, including fishers, traders, and miniplant owners. Findings: The results show that women occupy central roles in the post-harvest value chain—particularly in picking, trading (as bakul), and managing household income—yet their access to productive assets and control over economic decisions remains limited. Despite these structural inequalities, women’s financial contributions are consistently directed toward improving family welfare, especially in terms of children’s education and health, which are core indicators of HDI. The presence of gender-based access and control disparities across the crab supply chain affects not only economic equity but also the effectiveness of human development outcomes. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study demonstrates that while women’s informal labor in crab fisheries significantly supports HDI indicators at the community level, achieving more inclusive and sustainable coastal development will require policy interventions that formally recognize, support, and empower women’s economic roles within fisheries. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study provides a new perspective by linking women’s informal labor in blue swimming crab post-harvest activities to Human Development Index (HDI) indicators, emphasizing their overlooked contribution to community-level human development in coastal areas.