Feasibility Study of Canned Smoked Fish as the Micro Enterprises in South Sumatra Province, Indonesia

Abstract

This paper analyzes several aspects (technical, marketing, economic, social, and financial) of canned smoked fish (Pangasius) as a micro-industry in South Sumatra Province, Indonesia. This article adopts mix-methods. A quantitative method is used to explain technical, marketing, economic, and financial aspects, while the social aspect is explained using a qualitative method. The author collects the Pangasius species sample from nine districts in South Sumatra Province for the technical aspect. This sample transformed into canned smoked fish using several steps: preparation, making and cooking, filling process, exhausting, sealing sterilization, and cooling process. The author also collects secondary data and interviews several key informants to analyze the non-technical aspect of the canned smoked fish industry. A canned smoked fish (Pangasius) has excellent potential to develop as a micro-enterprise in South Sumatra, Indonesia. In the long-term, it could be an instrument for the local government to increase citizens' well-being based on local resources and penetrate the ASEAN free trade area. In a short time, it could be an instrument for the local government to manage the economic effect of COVID-19 in South Sumatera, Indonesia. This study could be a baseline for the government to create a policy for developing the smoked fish industry. The result of this study could be a second opinion in planning capital investment within the smoked fish industry at the SSP for the investor and the entrepreneur.