Circle of Patronage and Economic Quality: Case Study of the Puger Fishing Community

Abstract

Indonesia's capture fisheries sector is the economic backbone of millions of households, but it is often plagued by structural inequality. This article analyzes the phenomenon of fish quality that tends to be low (KW2) in Puger, Jember, one of the largest fisheries centers in East Java, which paradoxically occurs in the midst of abundant potential. Using the client-patronage theory framework, this study argues that the low quality of fish in Puger is not solely a technical problem of post-harvest handling, but is a direct consequence of the deep-rooted and exploitative patronage relationship between fishermen and land fishermen (pengambe'). The dominance of pengambe' in the supply chain, especially in the purchase of fresh fish, hinders fishermen's initiatives to improve quality through freezing, and even leads to the stagnation of cold storage facilities built by the government. The implications of this patronage structure are the sustainable exploitation of the economy, limiting innovation, and keeping fishermen in a circle of dependency. This research analyzes transformative empowerment approaches to create a more equitable and sustainable fisheries ecosystem.

Keywords: Patronage, Fishermen, Puger, Fish Quality, Pengambean', Fisheries Economics, Exploitation.