ABSTRACT
The aquatic environment in Jakarta Bay has changed since the increase of domestic and industrial waste in the waters, and culminated during the reclamation. The purpose of this study is to describe such changes and discuss how the fishermen adapt to aquatic environment changes in 3 time periods. This research was conducted in the fishermen’s settlement in Kamal Muara, Penjaringan, North Jakarta using the qualitative research approach, in-depth individual interviews, and observations. The changes that occurred until 1994 (the first period) and in 1995–2007 (the second period) were caused by the increasing number of wastes that were dumped into the Jakarta Bay. Although their potential has decreased and they have minimal connectedness with their community and always surrender when pollution occurs, the fishermen still survive because, after the pollution episode, the fishery resources are still abundant. The most disturbing changes occurred in the third period (2008–2015), which was during the reclamation. The fishermen’s income decreased due to the difficulty of access to the waters, the narrower fishing grounds, and the dwindling of fishery resources. Although the fishermen have adapted by establishing “Kelompok Usaha Bersama/KUB” (a fishermen group) and developing the cultivation of mussels, reclamation activities have made them increasingly vulnerable and threatened their livelihoods.
