COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT THROUGH THE SHRIMP PASTE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM IN BONTANG KUALA VILLAGE, BONTANG CITY

Abstract

This study aims to analyze community empowerment through the shrimp paste management program in Bontang Kuala Village, Bontang City. The focus of the study includes the role of the government, the community empowerment process, and the supporting and inhibiting factors. This study uses a qualitative approach with a case study method. Data collection techniques were carried out through in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation studies, with key informants being the neighborhood association (RT) chairman, the owner of the “Mak Duyung” shrimp paste business, and local residents. The results of the study show that community empowerment is carried out through skills training, technical assistance, and equipment assistance from the Bontang City Government. This program has succeeded in increasing community capacity and income, creating new jobs, and making shrimp paste a leading product that is marketed overseas. The main supporting factors are high community motivation and government support, while the inhibiting factors include budget constraints, lack of infrastructure (such as uneven distribution of production equipment), and dependence on the shrimp fishing season. This study concludes that synergistic collaboration between the government and the community is the key to successful empowerment, which is recommended to be supported by sustainable policies to ensure long-term economic independence.