The roaring waves keep hitting the bridge and the clouds hovered across the sky, while the wind blew the fishermen's navigational flags around the corner of the port. The ships docked and the fishermen waited for the fishing permission patiently. This is a description of Sadeng, a Fishing Port (PPI), located in Songbanyu village, Girisubo, Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta. The daily life of residents around the port is working as fishermen and most of them also work to manage rice fields, so they can fulfill their daily needs. According to them, if they only rely on the results of fishing, they find it difficult to meet their daily needs.

 

Some students and I, with Stube HEMAT had the opportunity to visit the port to see closer, as well as to interact with the lives of fishermen and observe the marine economic potencies (4/02/2023). At Sadeng port, we met Mujito, a crew member, who took us around to find out whatever about the ship. Talking with him, I learned that fishermen go out to sea with a team that includes the captain and crew members (ABK), and they need one week at sea. Before going to sea, it is necessary to pay attention to what should be prepared, starting from the food supply to meet their meals, besides fuel, medicine, and water for bathing.

During a week at sea, the catch obtained is approximately 5 tons. The types of catch are quite diverse, such as skipjack, tuna, and mackerel which are available throughout the year. Besides fish, they also catch squid and jellyfish. When these marine products have landed, they are immediately handed over to collectors to be sold. However, due to the low sale price, the amount of rupiah earned is quite small, moreover, it must be shared between the captain and the crew, and also the net after the renting boat cost if the boat belongs to another.

Fishermen also innovate the fish catch, especially tuna fish to be tuna floss. The derivative products is expected to increase people's income and to open new jobs for women around the Sadeng port. Tuna floss processing can extend the availability of fish and can be used as gifts. Besides delicious and nutritious, the price of tuna floss is affordable.

The fishermen of Sadeng and their wives are a group of people who are persistent, optimistic, and hopeful in this port. The existing social capital will develop much better if there is a mutual cooperation from local stakeholders. Each day is a new hope because the sea provides products for them. No day is at stake without the sea in their faces. ***