Analysis of the Impact of Subsidized Fuel Oil Policy on Tuna Fisheries Business in East Morotai District, Morotai Island Regency, Indonesia

The increase in fuel prices has an impact on fishermen's catches which has led to a decrease in fishermen's income. To overcome the increase in fuel prices, the Morotai Island Regency Government through the Fisheries and Marine Office issued a subsidized fuel policy for fishermen. The purpose of this study was to analyze the catch and income of tuna fishers based on subsidized fuel and unsubsidized fuel and also to analyze the impact of subsidized fuel and catch on the income of tuna fishers. The results showed that the amount of tuna catch, based on unsubsidized fuel, is higher compared to the amount of tuna catch depending on subsidized fuel. It is partially influenced by the distance of the fishing area and simultaneously influenced by the period of fishing, fishing trip, and distance of the fishing area. The income of tuna fishers based on unsubsidized fuel is higher than that of tuna fishers based on subsidized fuel. Fuel subsidies and fish catches significantly impact the income of tuna fishers. Specifically, fuel subsidies negatively affect fuel prices, whereas higher catches contribute positively to fishers' income.