Local Institutional Strengthening in Sustainable Lake Fisheries Resources Management System (Case Study of Tempe Lake, Wajo Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia)

Local community wisdom, as a traditional practice in sustainable lake fisheries resource management, can serve as a key solution in preserving the lake’s potential as a sustainable ecosystem. This research aimed to analyze: (1) traditional community practices as a form of local wisdom manifested through the institutional use of fishery resources in Lake Tempe; (2) stakeholder interests in the utilization of these resources; and (3) strategies for integrating effective traditional practices into a sustainable fisheries management system. This qualitative research, conducted using a case study method, revealed that the community's utilization of Lake Tempe is largely domestic and based on local institutions passed down through generations. These include traditional practices such as institutional cappeang, palawang, bungka toddo', and ceremonies like maccerak tappareng. Stakeholders’ power relations and interests in the use of Lake Tempe's fishery resources are varied and complex. The integration of local institutions into formal structures strengthens the community’s role in managing the lake’s fishery resources. The reinforcement of these local institutions fosters a collaborative management system involving the government, the community, and the private sector, jointly responsible for maintaining the economic and ecological sustainability of Lake Tempe's resources.