Small-scale octopus fishers encounter an extensive number of difficulties and dangers that are far greater than those they would face on land. The risks of working at sea are increased by the constant danger of unpredictable weather patterns and restricted access to medical services.
Last January, fishers from the Banggai Islands in Central Sulawesi, including the villages of Kalumbatan, Lobuton, and Popisi, as well as those from Mekar Indah village in the Selayar Islands, South Sulawesi, engaged in a comprehensive Safety at Sea training. Subsequently, on February 16, 2024, a similar activity was conducted in Kahu-Kahu village, also situated in the Selayar Islands.
Facilitated by the National Search and Rescue Agency and Medical Teams from local Health Centers (Puskesmas), the training sessions catered to 35 participants from the Banggai Islands and 55 participants from the Selayar Islands.
Among the key highlights of the training series was the effective comprehension and application of emergency response procedures by fishers. They also recognized the significance of fundamental knowledge and preparedness in administering aid to drowning victims, while acknowledging the gravity of injuries sustained at sea.
In addition to the training modules, basic health check-ups were conducted, providing an opportune moment for Health Center personnel to underscore the importance of routine medical examinations. The Buki-Selayar Health Center team proposed exploring potential collaborations between village governments and health centers through the establishment of POS Unit Kesehatan Kerja (UKK), offering free regular health check-ups in rural areas.
Participants responded positively to the training, expressing hopes for its regularity and expansion to benefit all fishers, not just those specializing in octopus. Especially in areas like Kalumbatan, Lobuton, and Mekar Indah that were witnessing these programs for the first time, there was a noticeable sense of enthusiasm. Popisi and Kahu-Kahu villages, who received the safety training for the second time, enthusiastically welcomed the new concept of health examinations.
The training sessions represent a critical step towards enhancing safety protocols and healthcare awareness among small-scale fishers, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in safeguarding fishing communities.
By Eveline Kurniati