A team from PPK Ormawa HMPS Pendidikan Sejarah UNM conducted a field visit to observe the tools used by patorani fishermen to catch flying fish and their eggs in Galesong Baru Village, Takalar, on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. The fishermen utilize traditional tools known as pakkaja and bala’-bala’, which are made from bamboo and coconut leaves. These tools serve both as a place for the flying fish to lay their eggs and as a means to catch them. Flying fish eggs have high economic value, and fishermen spend several months at sea to collect them. The eggs vary in type, each commanding different prices based on the variety. Patorani fishermen typically set sail between April and September. Before departing, they prepare supplies such as rice, noodles, clothing, and sufficient quantities of diesel fuel (solar) to power their boats. The farther they travel to hunt for flying fish eggs, the more fuel they need, as they remain at sea for months. Additionally, they bring along pakkaja, made from bamboo and coconut leaves, as their primary fishing tool.
In an interview with the PPK Ormawa HMPS Pendidikan Sejarah team, a fisherman revealed that during a single expedition to hunt for flying fish eggs, they can collect up to 100 kilograms of eggs within 2-3 months. These eggs are then exported overseas, with South Korea being one of their markets. “The farthest region we visit is Fakfak, Papua. The price per kilogram of flying fish eggs can exceed IDR 1 million,” he stated. Rafli M, a member of the PPK Ormawa HMPS Pendidikan Sejarah team, explained that their objective was to directly observe the design and construction of pakkaja and bala’-bala’. “This enables us to study and potentially modernize these traditional fishing tools,” Rafli commented.
