THE SOCIO-ECONOMICS OF COASTAL COMMUNITIES IN SORONG CITY, WEST PAPUA PROVINCE OF INDONESIA

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the socio-economics of coastal communities living coexistent with mangrove ecosystems in the Sub-district of Klamana, Sorong City. The descriptive method was employed along with satellite imagery interpretation, spatial data processing, and analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyze the socio-economic facilities as well as interview and documentation techniques. The results indicated that the level of community education was relatively low as mostly were graduated from elementary school (55%) and did not attend any formal education/school (16%). Their main occupation is traditional fishermen using fishing fleets and nets. The average level of community income is Rp 1,633,824 / month, which is categorized as very low income (poor). They reside in semi-permanent and non-permanent community housing with wooden walls and ground floor. Education, trade and service facilities, health and government facilities, as well as public services, are sufficient and easily accessible by transportation. Financing, however, is a major problem for the community, and motivation to maximize the existing potentials is included in the problem-list as well; thus, so the involvement of the Sorong City Government is highly crucial for the community.

Keywords

• community
• social relations
• economics
• public service