Hubungan Abrasi Pantai Terhadap Pendapatan Nelayan di Kecamatan Bantan Kabupaten Bengkalis

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between fishermen’s perceptions of coastal abrasion and their income and welfare in Bantan Subdistrict, Bengkalis Regency, and assesses the mediating role of income in linking coastal abrasion and welfare. A quantitative survey design was employed. Data were collected using a 1–5 Likert scale questionnaire from 90 fishermen households and processed using SPSS. The analysis included descriptive statistics, item–total validity testing, reliability testing with Cronbach’s Alpha, simple linear regression to evaluate the association of coastal abrasion with income and welfare, and a mediation test to assess the role of income in the abrasion–welfare linkage. Descriptive findings indicate that most respondents are of productive age, educational attainment is dominated by primary school graduates, and fishing gears remain largely traditional. Economically, the results show a shift in income structure after abrasion from predominantly IDR 1–2 million per month to predominantly below IDR 1 million per month. On the expenditure side, fishing operational costs nearly doubled, particularly for fuel, boat maintenance, and fishing gear. The instrument was confirmed valid and reliable. Analytical results indicate that coastal abrasion is associated with reduced income and increased welfare vulnerability, with income acting as a key pathway connecting abrasion and welfare. The study highlights the need for abrasion mitigation, improved coastal infrastructure, and strengthened economic adaptation support for fishermen.