By:

• Amriana, Local Facilitator of WWF-Indonesia's Gracilaria Cultivation Improvement Program in Takalar, South Sulawesi
• Idham Malik (Aquaculture Officer, WWF-Indonesia)

That day (9/6/17) was an important moment for the Samaturu'e Group, a group of Gracilaria seaweed farmers assisted by WWF-Indonesia and Celebes Seaweed Group (CSG). The Samaturu'e group was finally officially inaugurated that afternoon at the CSG Warehouse, Bontosungguh Village, Bontonompo Sub-district, Gowa District, South Sulawesi.

This means that the Samaturu'e Group has successfully passed through three phases of mentoring: introduction phase, formulation phase, and inauguration phase.

The first phase was a deeper introduction to the farmers' practices and the conditions of the cultivation environment. The product of this phase is the establishment of an emotional relationship with the farmers. In addition, baseline data such as the Gracilaria Cultivation Better Management Practice (BMP) Gap Assessment, farmer profiles, water quality data, and farm maps are provided.

The second phase was a focus group discussion (FGD) to formulate the group's name, vision and mission, board composition, work program, and constitution/bylaws. The formulation process is dynamic, because participants provide feedback and every agreement is obtained by deliberation, including in the selection of group leaders and board members.

The name of the group itself, Samaturu'e, was taken because it has a very memorable meaning for the farmers, namely "together fighting." With that foundation of cooperation, the hope is that the group's vision of shared prosperity and environmental improvement can be achieved.

Meanwhile, the third phase is the formal inauguration of the group, involving parties who can support the development of the group.

"With the formation of groups, assistance is carried out through one command, so that the dissemination of information can run effectively," said Muhammad Yusuf (WWF-Indonesia). "In addition, the group accommodates the social principles that are now being emphasized in fisheries management," he said later in front of twenty members of the Samaturu'e Group that day. There were also representatives from the extension service and the Takalar Marine and Fisheries Agency (DKP), CSG, village officials, and farmers from the neighboring sub-district of Sanrobone.

In the inauguration of the Samaturu'e Group, there was a commitment from stakeholders to assist the development of the group with the aim of improving Gracilaria cultivation and obtaining community welfare.

Mursalim, Leader of CSG, is committed to providing market guarantees to members of the Samaturu'e Group who implement Gracilaria Cultivation BMPs and good and safe seaweed certification. Not to be outdone, Andi Akil, Coordinator of General Extension of Mappakasunggu Subdistrict expressed his commitment to help escort the group for the smooth running of the program. Meanwhile, Iksan, Head of Takalar Lama Urban Village, said he was ready to facilitate the activities of groups located in his area.

"Group formation is one of the methods in poverty alleviation. DKP Takalar is willing to help with para-para equipment for drying seaweed. The request for assistance can be submitted after the Village Development Meeting," Anwar Alwi, Head of the Cultivation Division of DKP Takalar, also expressed his support that day.

That day, the group's membership structure and vision and mission were read out. Syaifuddin Caco, Chairman of the Samaturu'e Group, signed the minutes of the inauguration of the group and the group's by-laws with the Head of Takalar Village and the Mappaksunggu District General Extension Coordinator. With this signing, the inauguration of the Samaturu'e Group was official.

This event was seen as one of the blessings of the holy month of Ramadan for the Samaturu'e Group. They closed the afternoon by breaking their fast together, grateful for the fighting spirit that was confirmed that day under their group name - Samaturu'e, for the improvement of Gracilaria cultivation in Takalar.