Participation in Building Human Resources: Independent Strategies for Facing a Demographic Expansion in a Remote Island

This research was conducted to examine the strategies of residents in Sapeken (a remote island) in facing a demographic expansion, especially in terms of human resource development in improving the competitiveness of fishing communities. This study used the descriptive-qualitative method by collecting data through in-depth interviews and observation, as well as data tracking online and offline. This research used Arnstein participatory theory. It was found that the population density on this island exceeded the average population in large cities. Beside working as fishermen, many people maintain economic independence by becoming small and medium-level traders, especially home-based businesses. The incomes of the residents are used to contribute to the success of the implementation of education, both in the personal context to finance the education of families, and to provide charity to religious and public education institutions. Thus, education is the main factor in dealing with the demographic expansion. In the future, having faster leverage and stronger, and more intense synergy is needed among civil society, with the assistance of universities and local governments in accelerating the development of human resources. Community participation is at the level of a partnership, including in the degree of citizen power.