Seaweed Utilization by Traditional Fishers in Rahia Village, Gu District, Central Buton Regency: A Study of Seaweed Types and the Transformation of Their Processing

Abstrak

This study aims to describe the types of seaweed utilized by traditional fishers in Rahia Village, Gu District, Central Buton Regency, and to analyze the transformation of seaweed processing from 1999 to 2026. The research employed a qualitative approach using the historical method, consisting of heuristics, source criticism, interpretation, and historiography. Data were collected through field observations, in-depth interviews, and documentation studies related to seaweed utilization. The findings reveal that the community cultivates two main types of seaweed, namely Katonik, which has been cultivated since 1999, and Gracilaria sp., which has been introduced since 2024 as a strategy for production diversification. The utilization of seaweed has evolved from harvesting naturally growing seaweed into a more organized cultivation system using long-line and stake methods. The cultivation process includes seed selection, seed tying, soaking, sea placement, maintenance, harvesting, and sun-drying before marketing. This transformation reflects the ability of coastal communities to adapt to environmental changes, technological developments, and market demands while preserving local knowledge inherited across generations. In addition to improving household income, seaweed farming strengthens social cohesion through family cooperation, mutual assistance, and the division of labor within fishing households. The study concludes that seaweed utilization represents an important part of the socio-economic history of the Rahia coastal community and demonstrates a form of maritime cultural adaptation that supports sustainable coastal development.

Kata kunci

• Processing Transformation
• Seaweed
• Seaweed Cultivation
• Traditional Fishers