IMPLEMENTASI PROGRAM KARTU PELAKU USAHA KELAUTAN DAN PERIKANAN (KUSUKA) DI KECAMATAN MEDANG DERAS KABUPATEN BATUBARA

Abstract

The Marine and Fisheries Business Actor Card (KUSUKA) program, regulated by Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Regulation Number 42 of 2022, is designed to provide a single identity for marine and fisheries business actors. Furthermore, KUSUKA serves as a database, a means of protection, and a requirement for accessing government empowerment programs. In Medang Deras District, Batubara Regency, there are more than 23,000 fishermen, but only 1,533, or approximately 6.6%, have KUSUKA cards, while the remaining 93.4% are unregistered. This gap serves as the background to this research. The study used a qualitative approach with a focus on in-depth understanding of the policy implementation process. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with Fisheries Service officials, fisheries extension workers, village officials, and fishermen. Observation and document review techniques were used to strengthen the data. The analysis focused on six policy implementation parameters according to Van Meter and Van Horn: policy standards and objectives, resources, implementing agent characteristics, implementer disposition, inter-organizational communication, and the social, economic, and political environment. The research findings revealed several obstacles. In terms of resources, the number of extension workers was disproportionate to the number of fishermen, the outreach budget was limited, the KUSUKA application often experienced problems, and internet connectivity in coastal villages was weak. The characteristics of implementing agencies demonstrated a formal commitment, but coordination between institutions was ineffective, and the bureaucracy was slow to respond to issues. Implementers' dispositions were largely administrative, lacking persuasive innovations to encourage registration. Communication between organizations was also substandard, resulting in unclear information about KUSUKA's benefits and procedures. Fishermen were often confused about how to register, and village officials still lacked a clear understanding of the mechanism. Social, economic, and political factors also contributed to the obstacles, marked by low levels of education, digital literacy, daily economic orientation, and minimal local political support.