IFRDMD activities in Tempe Lake, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

SEAFDEC/IFRDMD was called for assessing fisheries activities in Tempe Lake, part of Wajo District, Sidenreng Rappang District, and Soppeng District, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. This is a tectonic lake with an area of approximately 350 km2, making it the second-largest lake in Sulawesi.

The activity was held on 21 and 22 August 2023 at the office of the Marine and Fisheries Service of Wajo Regency, and the floating house in the Tempe Lake.

The activity began with a discussion with the Acting Head of Marine and Fisheries Service of Wajo Regency and his staff. The agenda was also attended by a member of the Regional Representatives of Wajo Regency, who is also the Chairperson of Commission II.

The activity continued with data collection and the Focus Group Discussions (FGD) with stakeholders in inland fisheries. The data collected were obtained from 28 people, including 10 women. They were the fishers, fish farmers, fish processors, marketing actors, and village officers. The FGD was directed by the officers and fisheries extension from Research Institute for Brackish Water Aquaculture and Fisheries Extension, Maros, South Sulawesi Province. The observation around Tempe Lake on a small boat was also conducted to have the features on the current condition, including by viewing the fishway at the Dam of Gerak Tempe. The analyses will be conducted by IFRDMD staff. The results and recommendations will be submitted to the local government.

The visit coincided with the Tempe Lake Festival, so that IFRDMD could witness the festival in person. The Tempe Lake Festival is a cultural event held annually in Wajo Regency, South Sulawesi. The festival was held by the Government of Wajo Regency on 21-23 August 2023. The Tempe Lake Festival is packed with “Maccera Tappareng” traditional feast, which is a ritual to purify the lake as well as a form of gratitude from the fishers for their catch. People who attend can participate in various competitions, such as ornamental boat races, culinary competitions, and rowing boat races. Various activities are also displayed, one of which is from the fisheries sector which displays a variety of freshwater fishery products, both fresh and ready to eat.

This activity is part of a project entitled “Management Scheme of Inland Fisheries in the Southeast Asian Region”, funded by Japan Trust Fund VI Phase 2.