The Management of Mina Salt Ponds, Tradition, and Economy’s Rhythm of the Community in Madura Island

Abstract

Madura Island has the most potential for the development of salt ponds in Indonesia. The ponds are managed by the community and state-owned salt company (called PT Garam). This study aimed to determine the management of ponds, traditions, and the economic rhythm of the community. The study employed a qualitative descriptive approach. The methods used for data collection were in-depth interviews and observations. Research results: during the dry season, the ponds are used as salt ponds around 4 months at most (June, July, August, and September). Every month, the harvest is 3-4 times on average. During the rainy season, each pond of PT Garam is left as it is; however, in the economic rhythm of the farmers, the ponds are used for fish farming, some of which are milkfish or shrimp. Some of the farmers catch the fish in the sea using rods, nets, or fishing gears for small fish (anchovies, squid, shrimp). Accordingly, the people of Sumenep and Pamekasan traditionally and hereditarily use a fishing tool called "pagan", while in Sampang Regency they catch the fish using "onjem". Moreover, people are trading in their area or in other areas.