Besides these programs, the head of RT II in Toisapu initiated some programs. His main task is
to take care of the 43 households in his area. He acts as the mediator between the government
and the people. Besides, he stimulates people to cultivate animals or productive plants in their
yards, and initiated a family savings program. A previous activity is to clean up public facilities.
15.2.4 Role of women
Women in Hutumuri are involved in both village and church activities. Most women sell
garden crops and a few (±10) trade in fish. Women are also active in shellfish gathering for
household consumption.
Amongst themselves, women do discuss issues of interest, such as the rise in school fees.
Apparently, the women can express their opinion in church meetings, although it is usually
the secretary who voices the women’s concerns. In meetings at the (sub-) village level, women
are represented by church members.
Although women play an important role in the fishery and fish trade, meetings on fishery
related issues are not attended by women. They are not directly involved in decision-making
in the village. Of the fishers in our sample, 17% considered women to be completely outside
of decision-making processes. However, during other interviews, women did express a strong
preference to be involved in decision-making.
15.2.5 Profile of fishers
The average age of the fishers in our sample was 47 (age range 29-85), and 51% were under 45
years old. Two women were interviewed. Of all the respondents, 77% have only elementary
education. The fishers have, on an average, 6.5 household members. Children who have left
the village have gone to work, school, or marriage.
Hutumuri is not a typical fishing village; the original inhabitants are farmers. Most fishing is
done by Butonese fishers who have immigrated into the area. Of our 30-fisher sample, 60%
were born in Hutumuri, and most of the other 40% of the fishers were Butonese. Only 7% of
the fishers were related to a founding family or locally important clan.
Many fishers are landowners (73%), but fishing was the primary source of income for most of
them (also 73%). Fishing is the second largest source of income for a further 23%. On an
average, 64% of family income is from fishing, while 67% of the fishers in our sample said
they covered daily needs from fishing alone. Only 14% of the households had an externally
derived income, but the average income from these external sources was Rp1,585,000 per
year (USD634, early 1997 rate), which is high compared to the other villages. Other sources of
income were diverse.
The average time the men have spent in the fishery was 28 years. Most fishers spent 4-6 hours
per day at sea. Compared to the other villages, this was relatively short.
A high number of fishers (25) expressed great satisfaction in their work. “It is my hobby” and
“Fishing suits my talents” were common comments. They also noted that fishing provided
the family with an income, and that the profits were good. Only five fishers would change
their job if they could, if it paid better, and was less tiring. However, only a small number
(7%) wants their children to be fishers; 23% wants them to be government staff but the largest
number wants them to be wage workers or professionals (i.e., “other” category).
Dusun Toisapu, Desa Hutumuri, Ambon Island 201