Adaptasi Petambak Garam Tradisional Terhadap Variabilitas Iklim di Desa Pengarengan, Kabupaten Cirebon

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Climate variability is an early indicator of climate change, contributing to extreme temperature fluctuations, high-intensity rainfall, tidal flooding, and coastal abrasion. Traditional salt farmers are among the most vulnerable groups affected by these phenomena, experiencing declining productivity, deteriorating harvest quality, and reduced market prices. As a result, salt farmers are compelled to develop adaptive strategies to cope with the changing climatic conditions.. This study aims to examine how traditional salt farmers in Pengarengan Village undertake adaptation efforts in response to climate change, as well as the specific climate change impacts affecting the productivity of traditional salt production. A qualitative case study approach was employed, with informants selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a triangulation model, combining semi- structured interviews with salt farmers, field observation to identify existing conditions, and documentation through the collection of relevant records. Data analysis followed the Miles and Huberman framework, conducted continuously from the beginning through the conclusion of the study. The findings indicate that the climate phenomena affecting traditional salt farmers include weather variability, which hinders the salt production process; rainfall intensity, which affects both the quality and price of salt; and tidal flooding, which damages production infrastructure. In response, farmers have developed adaptation strategies across four dimensions: the social dimension, through participation in the PUGAR (Salt Farmer Community Empowerment) program; the economic dimension, through the utilization of household assets; the ecological dimension, through the utilization of natural resources; and the technological dimension, through the adoption of geomembrane technology in traditional salt production.

Keywords: Adaptation; Coastal Community; Climate Change; Traditional Salt Farmers; Vulnerability

ABSTRAK

Variabilitas iklim menjadi tanda awal terajadinya perubahan iklim yang berdampak pada pola suhu yang ekstrim, curah hujan tinggi, banjir rob, serta abrasi. Petambak garam tradisional menjadi yeng rentan terhadap fenomena tersebut. Akibatnya, produktivitas menurun, kualitas hasil panen buruk, serta harga jual yang anjlok. Pada akhirnya, petambak dituntut untuk dapat beradaptasi dengan kondisi iklim yang terjadi.  Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui bagaimana petambak garam tradisional di Desa Pengarengan melakukan upaya adaptasi dalam menghadapi perubahan iklim, serta dampak perubahan iklim apa saja yang berimbas terhadap produktivitas garam tradisional. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif pendekatan studi kasus, metode pengambilan sampel menggunakan Purposive Sampling, dan data dikumpulkan dengan model Triangulasi yang menggabungkan wawancara semi-terstruktur terhadap petambak, observasi lapangan dengan mengidentifikasi kondisi eksisting, dan dokumentasi dilakukan dengan pengumpulan dokumen yang relevan. Analisis data mengacu pada Miles dan Huberman, analisis dilakukan secara berkelanjutan sejak awal hingga akhir penelitian. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa fenomena iklim yang berdampak pada petambak garam tradisional meliputi variabilitas cuaca yang menghambat proses produksi garam, intensitas hujan memengaruhi kualitas dan harga garam, serta banjir rob yang berdampak terhadap infrastruktur produksi. Sebagai respon, petambak mengembangkan strategi adaptasi yang mencakup empat aspek, yaitu aspek sosial melalui pemanfaatan program Pemberdayaan Usaha Garam Rakyat (PUGAR), aspek ekonomi dengan memanfatkan aset yang dimiliki petambak, aspek ekologis melalui pemanfaatan sumber daya alam, dan Teknologi melalui penggunaan geomembran pada produksi garam tradisional.

Kata Kunci : Adaptasi,Masyarakat Pesisir, Perubahan Iklim, Petambak Garam Tradisional, kerentanan