SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD STRATEGIES OF SMALL-SCALE INLAND FISHERS: AN ASSET-BASED ANALYSIS FROM THE KLAWING RIVER, CENTRAL JAVA

I Gede Suweda Anggana Putera (Department of Aquatic Resources Management, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Jl. Dr Soeparno, Komplek GOR Soesilo Soedarman, Karangwangkal, Karang Bawang, Grendeng, Kec. Purwokerto Utara, Kabupaten Banyumas, Ja)
Sahda Salsabila (Department of Aquatic Resources Management, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Jenderal Soedirman University)
Teuku Junaidi (Department of Aquatic Resources Management, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Jenderal Soedirman University)
Lilik Kartika Sari (Department of Aquatic Resources Management, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Jenderal Soedirman University)
Taufik Budhi Pramono (Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Jenderal Soedirman University)
Sawitania Christiany Dwi Utami Boru Situmorang (Department of Agribusiness, Faculty of Agriculture, Jenderal Soedirman University)
Saprudin Saprudin (Research Institute for Freshwater Aquaculture and Fisheries Extension, Agency for Marine and Fisheries Extension and Human Resources Development, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Republic of Indonesia)
Anissa Aprilia Nurkhasanah (Department of Fisheries and Marine Socio Economics, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, PSDKU Brawijaya University)
Talitha Putri Windiarta (Department of Aquatic Resources Management, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Jenderal Soedirman University)
Indah Karunia Putri (Department of Aquatic Resources Management, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Jenderal Soedirman University)
Fidia Indah Rizkiana (Department of Aquatic Resources Management, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Jenderal Soedirman University)

Saintek Perikanan : Indonesian Journal of Fisheries Science and Technology
Vol 22, No 3 (2026): SAINTEK PERIKANAN

Small-scale inland fishers depend on river ecosystems for income, food, and livelihoods, yet their sustainability is threatened by ecological degradation and economic uncertainty. This study analyzed livelihood sustainability of small-scale inland fishers in the Klawing River, Central Java, by examining livelihood assets, vulnerability exposure, and adaptive strategies across river zones. Conducted from March to August 2025 in five villages, the study applied a descriptive quantitative approach with qualitative support using the Sustainable Livelihood Framework (SLF). Data were collected through observations, semi-structured interviews, and structured questionnaires involving 31 fishers selected purposively. Livelihood sustainability was assessed using the Sustainable Livelihood Index (SLI), an equal-weighted composite index of five capitals: human, natural, physical, financial, and social. Each capital was operationalized into measurable indicators and scored using a three-level ordinal scale, where higher scores indicated more favorable conditions. Results showed moderate livelihood sustainability, with an SLI score of 2.12. Social capital was the strongest asset (2.42), followed by physical capital (2.32), human capital (2.13), natural capital (1.88), and financial capital (1.85). The Kruskal-Wallis test showed no significant difference in overall SLI among zones (p = 0.527), but social capital differed significantly (p = 0.002), with the downstream zone scoring highest. Main vulnerabilities included declining fish stocks, floods, pollution, sedimentation, habitat degradation, limited capital access, and seasonal income fluctuations. Fishers adapted through livelihood diversification, fishing-ground mobility, gear adjustment, seasonal adaptation, and family/community networks. This study highlights the need for asset-based, zone-specific inland fisheries management integrating habitat restoration, financial strengthening, and social capital development.