Innovation in the Kamplang Cracker Business in Bajo Village to Increase Income and Support Sustainable Agromaritime Development in South Halmahera

Abstract

This study addresses the persistent challenges faced by traditional agro-maritime small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Bajo Village, South Halmahera Regency, North Maluku, focusing on the local kamplang fish cracker industry. Despite the abundant availability of fresh fish raw materials, local processors struggle with inadequate production technologies, non-hygienic open-air drying methods, lack of product diversification, traditional packaging, limited capital, and restricted conventional marketing channels. This research aims to diagnose these systemic constraints, identify specific innovation needs, and formulate an integrated conceptual model to optimize value-added creation and enhance local fish processing incomes. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach with an embedded case study design, data collection was conducted on April 19, 2026, using semi-structured questionnaires, deep interviews, and field observations across two distinct organizational structures under explicit data anonymity. The empirical findings reveal a significant capacity gap between the cooperative group model (Case R1), producing 100 kg/week with an income of Rp4,000,000–Rp5,000,000/month, and the traditional individual model (Case R2), producing 20–30 kg/week with an income of Rp2,000,000–Rp3,000,000/month. The older firm exhibits severe structural inertia and path dependency, whereas the younger enterprise shows higher organizational agility toward digital adoption. Consequently, this study recommends a comprehensive three-tiered action plan: introducing affordable communal solar dryer domes to reduce microbial contaminants, implementing aluminum foil standing pouch packaging alongside flavor diversification, and broadening market reach via digital social media marketing. Future research must transition into a quantitative quasi-experimental design to empirically measure changes in production costs and profitability ratios.