Paminggir Swamp Fishermen Weave Hope Amidst Declining Swamp Fish Catches

By the time the sun was overhead, Lamsah, a resident of Bararawa Village, Paminggir District, North Hulu Sungai (HSU), South Kalimantan (Kalsel), had caught less than satisfactory results. Having struggled since dawn, the 50-year-old woman had only caught four kilograms of small fish from her catch. rengge(gill nets that stretch lengthwise under water).

“"I've been here since dawn and haven't caught many fish," he said at the end of June.

Paminggir is a giant swamp. It covers 156 square kilometers, equivalent to one and a half the size of Banjarmasin City. This area is home to a variety of freshwater fish—including puyau, papuyu, haruan, seluang, sepat, sanggi, sanggang, lais, pipih, and biawan., baung, until jelawat.

The catch in this village has dwindled. While it used to be easy to catch tens of kilograms of fish, now even catching five kilograms is a struggle.

“"The catch has been steadily decreasing for the past five years. This year, it's especially difficult."”

"Previously," he said, "he could earn Rp100,000 to Rp150,000 a day. That was when fish prices were cheap. Now, it's hard to even earn Rp50,000."”

In fact, the swamp is the mainstay of life for the majority of Paminggir residents.
Lamsah has been a fisherman since he was a teenager. Initially, he only helped his mother, but later became independent.
This mother of three still fishes to supplement the income of her husband, who is also a fisherman.

“"Now if we only hope for income his father (husband), may not be enough for living expenses.”

Rusmiati, her neighbor, suffered a similar fate. Despite setting up her gillnets before sunrise, the 53-year-old woman only collected about 2.5 kilograms of fish.

“"I'm still grateful for the Rp25,000 I get. It's true that fish have been hard to find in the last five years. Some types of fish, like lais, pipih, and sanggang, are even rarer," said the mother of three.

The low catch makes the work even longer, and the distances traveled are even longer, as they have to move from location to location to find the fisheries' peak.

As a result, costs also ballooned. That day, for example, the sales of around 2.5 kilograms of fish weren't even enough to cover the cost of buying 2.5 liters of fuel for the engine. the jukung.

The energy drain was also greater. Hours under the scorching sun were nothing compared to the fish he brought home.

Despite this, he never misses a trip to the swamp. As long as the weather permits, he'll still carry his fishing gear and rock his canoe.

Two reasons keep her going. First, to support her two children after her husband died last year. Second, fishing is a part of her life, a tradition passed down through generations.

“"Whatever the results, just enough to eat."”

A similar situation exists in Sapala Village, neighboring Bararawa. Jamrani has had to try various methods of catching fish.

There was hardly any fishing gear he didn't try. From rengge, salam(net trap), hancau (lift net), empty (bamboo woven fence trap), up to float (wire trap)

“"We've done all sorts of things. But fish are hard to come by now. It's been like this for about five years, and the last two years have been the worst," said the 33-year-old man.

In the past, fishermen's experience in reading the seasons, currents, and even fish habits was their primary asset. They knew when to change gear and where fish usually congregated. Now, this inherited knowledge is slowly losing its relevance.

If previously he could still bring home Rp. 200,000 – Rp. 250,000 a day, now his income is only around Rp. 50,000 to Rp. 150,000.

“"It's not uncommon to come home without any money. The fish you catch are just used as feed for snakehead fish."”

Floating cages

Almost every fishing family in Bararawa and Sapala, including Lamsah, Rusmiati, and Jamrani, raises fish. snakehead fish in floating cages. Because, it is no longer possible for them to depend on the fish catch for their livelihood.

Snakehead fish were chosen because they are more resilient to water changes. They are also relatively easy to care for, as most of their food comes from small fish caught by fishermen themselves.

This year, Lamsah raised around 1,400 snakehead fish, Rusmiati 500, and Jamrani 2,000. The snakehead fish cages act as a kind of "savings." They don't harvest every day, but they raise them until they reach consumption size, then sell them for Rp 30,000–Rp 35,000 per kilogram.

However, the difficulty of sourcing swamp fish has impacted these floating cages. Snakeheads often have to "fast" due to insufficient food. Their growth is slower, and harvest times are longer.

Mursidah, a fisherman who raised around 600 snakehead fingerlings in floating cages this year, has experienced similar difficulties. Difficulty obtaining food has increased maintenance costs.

“"If I catch only a few fish from the swamp, I'm forced to buy feed," said the 48-year-old woman.

A merchant's boat selling small fish food frequently passes through Bararawa, charging Rp 220,000 per box. However, the vendor doesn't always pass by.

What caused it?

Paminggir fishermen suspect the primary cause of the fish shortage is the swamp's water levels being higher and deeper than usual for longer periods. The excessively deep water has expanded the fish's distribution area. Pools that were once prime fishing spots are often empty.

Residents believe the changes are related to erratic weather patterns. Over the past five years, rain has often fallen during the dry season, altering the cycle of rising and falling swamp water levels.

“"For example, after a few hot days, fish start to become easier to find. But a day of rain is enough to make them hard to find again," said Lamsah.

Weather changes also trigger banyu bangai, a term for drastic changes in water temperature. This condition makes it impossible for some fish species to survive.

“"It is often found that several types of fish die suddenly."”

Jamrani added that unpredictable weather changes the fish growth cycle. He said fish grow faster in shallow water. When the dry season is too short, many fish don't have time to grow.

“"Now most of the fish are small," he complained.

In addition, fishermen also touched on the practice of illegal fishing, such as the use of electrocution devices. This practice negatively impacts the swamp ecosystem. Many small fish that should be able to reproduce are killed.

Apart from that, according to Rusmiati, it is difficult to catch fish because mountain infiltration, weeds that grow over the surface of the swamp. In recent years, the area has become wider.

“"In the past, it was more comfortable to fish because of the swamp. Lingai (open)," he said.

The weeds make it difficult to set up fishing gear, and the fish move between the plants, making it increasingly difficult to predict their whereabouts.

As catches decline, more and more fishermen gather in the same locations. Not only Paminggir residents, but fishermen from Danau Panggang—a neighboring subdistrict within the same swampy area—also come to fish in these waters due to declining catches in their area.

“"Many outsiders come here to fish too. Sometimes they set up their fishing gear as early as midnight," said Mursidah.

This situation raises concerns about competition and overexploitation of fish resources in Paminggir, despite it being the second-largest fisheries center in the HSU after Lake Panggang.

New Hope

Since 2024, the Sapala and Bararawa communities have managed 3,237 hectares and 4,872 hectares of forest through social forestry schemes, respectively. They have also established the Rawa Sejahtera Social Forestry Business Group (KUPS) and the Rawa Maju Social Forestry Business Group (KUPS), which receive support from Walhi South Kalimantan, the Indonesian Social Forestry Management Association (AP2SI), and the Tifa Foundation.

Aminah, a KUPS Rawa Sejahtera assistant in Sapala, said they run a farm with 56 swamp buffalo. The Tifa Foundation provides funding to develop their practices. silvofishery, cultivation of snakehead fish in two cages.

“"Each cage is filled with a thousand fish fry, and we've had two harvests. This is our effort to strengthen the local economy," said the 28-year-old woman.

Basrun, a companion of KUPS Rawa Maju, said that they are also developing snakehead fish cultivation with two cages, each containing a thousand fish seeds.

They showcased their cultivation results at the Mini Festival for the Implementation of the Social Forestry Work Plan (RKPS) and Strengthening of Social Forestry Business Partnerships on June 30. The local government and the HSU Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD) were also present.

However, they haven't yet shared the profits with their members. They're still reinvesting them as capital to strengthen the group's business.

Recently, they also received support from the Nusantara Fund through Walhi (Indonesian Forum for the Environment) to build a fish storage warehouse to store their catch and farmed fish when production is abundant and market prices plummet.

“"When fish is in season, prices often drop. Rather than selling them cheaply, it's better to store them until the price improves," explained the 41-year-old.

Meanwhile, the HSU Fisheries Service (Diskan) offers a program solution restocking. By spreading the seeds of a number of fish species that are starting to be difficult for fishermen to find.

They also established a fishery sanctuary in Tampakang Village, which will serve as a core nursery and breeding area for fish. The public is prohibited from fishing in this area. Monitoring will involve community monitoring groups (Pokwasmas).

This fisheries sanctuary program was once running but was temporarily suspended. Now, it's back as a priority.

“"We hope the fish population in Paminggir will become abundant again," said Maysarah, Head of Aquaculture Management at the HSU Fisheries and Marine Resources Department.

However, he asked the public to be patient, as these efforts will take a long time to truly see results.

“"The impact won't be immediate. It might only be visible in ten years."”

He said the prospects for cultivation are promising. However, there are challenges related to unsustainable feed supplies.

He promised to find alternative feed solutions, such as pellets and maggots. The community can still use the runcah fish as long as it's legally caught and abundantly available.

“"What we need to think about now is how to keep cultivation going, but not add pressure on swamp fish resources."”

Another equally important issue is fishermen's access to social protection, capital, and infrastructure assistance. However, this assistance is not easy to obtain.

Eva Agustina, Head of the Capture Fisheries Management Division of the HSU Fisheries and Marine Affairs and Fisheries Service, said that the Investment, One-Stop Integrated Services, and Manpower Agency (DPMPTSP) manages social security for fishermen through BPJS Employment membership, which is subsidized by the local government.

A total of 952 of the 1,700 fishermen have received social security coverage. Hundreds remain unaccompanied, and perhaps thousands remain outside the group.

“"If there is a request, we coordinate with fisheries extension workers to propose group members who have not been accommodated," he said.

Regarding business capital, Diskan cannot provide assistance in the form of cash. Instead, Diskan facilitates access to financing through the Maritime and Fisheries Business Actor Card (KUSUKA), which is linked to the People's Business Credit (KUR) scheme.

Examine the problem

Budi Lesmana, a member of Commission II of the HSU Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD), asked the HSU Regency Government to carefully examine field issues before developing programs. He stated that the Paminggir swamp ecosystem and its surroundings must survive amidst various pressures, particularly climate change.

The sustainability of this ecosystem is directly related to the communities that depend on the fisheries sector.

“"We ask the relevant agencies to carefully examine the actual situation. Determining the right approach is crucial to ensuring the program is truly effective," he said.

River and swamp fisheries, he said, are one of the backbones of the HSU economy. Therefore, their potential must be managed seriously without neglecting sustainability.

“"If we simply sit back and watch natural factors, the situation won't improve. This swamp's potential must be managed properly. Otherwise, the situation could worsen."”

The Village Forest status held by a number of areas must also be accompanied by programs that strengthen the community's economy while protecting the swamp ecosystem. It's not just an administrative status.

“"It would be a shame if we were given the opportunity to manage it but didn't make the most of it. I will continue to encourage the district government to truly maximize this opportunity for the benefit of the community."”

Besides that, illegal fishing In Paminggir, he said, a law enforcement approach alone is not sufficient, as there are still issues of basic necessities.

Therefore, if we want to eradicate it, we need to find other sources of income for the community. He suggested an alternative, namely fish farming. beje—traditional swamp ponds where fish gather during the dry season.

Beje, He said it's easier because it utilizes natural basins that fill with water during the high season. When the tide recedes, the fish gather in the ponds, allowing for harvesting without significant maintenance costs.

There's also the opportunity to develop a village-based fishing tourism business. Visitors pay a fee to fish in ponds managed by the Village-Owned Enterprise (BUMDes).

“People come to pay to fish, and the proceeds go into village income and open up economic opportunities for residents.”

Based on his experience, one beje pond measuring around 10×10 to 10×17 meters can produce a harvest worth tens of millions of rupiah in one season.

Peat ecosystem

Miftahul Pauji, Chairman of the South Kalimantan Regional Peatland Management Board (AP2SI), stated that the Paminggir area is a peat swamp with a vital function. Its role is to store water, reduce the risk of flooding during the rainy season, maintain water availability during the dry season, and store significant carbon reserves.

For the community, swamps are also a living space and a source of livelihood that they have guarded from generation to generation.

“"If it's damaged, it's not just the fish that will be lost, but also the ecological functions that have supported people's lives."”

Therefore, he urged the government to view swamps as long-term assets, not simply reserves for development. In addition to restoring fish stocks, the government needs to be more serious about maintaining peatland water management, preventing land conversion, strengthening community-based management, and ensuring that any development programs do not damage the ecological function of the swamps.

“"If communities benefit from sustainable swamps, they will have a direct interest in preserving them. That's where the ecological function of swamps and community livelihoods can go hand in hand."”

Raden Rafiq, Executive Director of Walhi South Kalimantan, assessed that the Paminggir peat swamp area and its surroundings are one of the important wetland ecosystems remaining in South Kalimantan.

This area is not only a habitat for various freshwater fish, water birds, and swamp animals, but also maintains water balance and stores carbon reserves. It also serves as a foundation for community life.

“"Protecting the Paminggir peat swamps means safeguarding ecological resilience, the community's economy, and the future of South Kalimantan," he said.

However, peatland protection in Paminggir remains inadequate. He believes the government's designated Peat Hydrological Unit (KHG) area of approximately 326 hectares does not fully reflect conditions on the ground.

Based on Walhi's observations, there are still peat areas with a depth of more than one meter outside the KHG area which should also receive protection.

“"If these areas are not protected, the hydrological function of the swamp landscape will remain vulnerable to disruption."”

He said that peatland destruction will have a cascading impact, disrupting the water cycle and increasing the risk of flooding and drought, reducing fisheries production, and increasing the potential for forest and land fires.

Threats to the Paminggir peat swamps still come from land conversion for large-scale plantations, extractive industries, infrastructure development that ignores ecological functions, and the opening of canals that dry out the peat.

The climate crisis, which is triggering changing rainfall patterns, longer dry seasons, and extreme weather, is exacerbating the situation. Therefore, Walhi is demanding that the government prioritize the protection of the Paminggir peat swamp landscape.

Urgent steps are to halt new concessions that damage peat ecosystems, evaluate permits that have caused damage, accelerate the restoration of degraded peat areas, and strengthen community-based management.

“"Development in wetlands must prioritize ecosystem safety. Without healthy peatlands, food security, water security, and community well-being will be difficult to maintain."”