Fishermen’s Local Knowledge of Astro-Oceanographic Phenomena for Contextual Physics Education and Disaster Preparedness in Puger: A Qualitative Case Study

Shofiyatul Lailiyah; Ina Frebianti; Aziziyatur Rahmah; Auri Letha Azzura Wijaya; Mabruroh; Lailatul Nuraini

doi:10.21009/1.12114

Authors

Shofiyatul Lailiyah Pendidikan Fisika, Universitas Jember, Indonesia
Ina Frebianti Universitas Jember
Aziziyatur Rahmah Pendidikan Geografi, Universitas Jember, Indonesia
Auri Letha Azzura Wijaya Pendidikan Geografi, Universitas Jember, Indonesia
Mabruroh Pendidikan Fisika, Universitas Jember, Indonesia
Lailatul Nuraini Pendidikan Fisika, Universitas Jember, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21009/1.12114

Keywords:

Local wisdom, fishermen’s knowledge, disaster preparedness, coastal communities, Puger coastal area

Abstract

Puger coastal area in Jember Regency is vulnerable to both geological disasters (megathrust earthquakes and potential tsunamis) and hydrometeorological hazards, making fishermen's disaster preparedness an important part of risk reduction. This study aims to explore the local knowledge of Puger fishermen in observing environmental phenomena and to map its relevance to physics concepts as a context for physics learning and disaster literacy. This qualitative descriptive study involved ten informants (seven senior fishermen, two younger active fishermen, and one community figure) selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, field observation, and documentation, analyzed thematically, and validated through technique triangulation and member checking. The results show that Puger fishermen possess local ecological knowledge involving observation of the Moon and stars' positions (including the Talu-talu Star for traditional navigation), wind direction, wave characteristics, seawater color, and tides, which coexists with digital weather applications among younger fishermen. A sudden recession of seawater is believed to signal an impending tsunami, though this must be distinguished from scientifically validated early warning systems. The Petik Laut tradition functions as social capital strengthening community solidarity rather than as a direct disaster mitigation mechanism. Findings were mapped onto concepts of gravity-tides, mechanical waves-tsunamis, fluid dynamics-wind, and astronomy-navigation. This study provides an empirical foundation for developing contextual physics learning resources rooted in coastal community experience.

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