Coastal MSMEs-Based Blue Economy Development Strategy in Tanjung Jabung Barat Regency

The blue economy is a development approach that emphasizes the sustainable use of marine and coastal resources while maintaining a balance between economic growth, social welfare, and environmental sustainability. Tanjung Jabung Barat Regency as one of the coastal areas in Jambi Province has great potential in the development of the blue economy, especially through the capture fisheries sector, aquaculture, marine product processing, and the existence of coastal micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). However, this potential has not been utilized optimally because it is still faced with various structural problems, such as low literacy and financial management of MSME actors, limited access to formal financing, weak business institutions, low product added value, and dependence on traditional marketing patterns. This research aims to analyze the conditions and challenges of coastal MSME-based blue economy development in West Tanjung Jabung Regency and formulate a sustainable and inclusive development strategy. The research method used is a descriptive qualitative approach by utilizing secondary data sourced from regional policy documents, reports of related agencies, and scientific publications. SWOT analysis is used to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in the development of the blue economy. The results of the study show that strengthening the blue economy in West Tanjung Jabung Regency requires an integrated strategy that places coastal MSMEs as the main actor. Priority strategies include increasing the literacy and financial recording of coastal MSMEs, strengthening access to adaptive financing according to the characteristics of coastal businesses, strengthening cooperative institutions and joint business groups, increasing the added value of fishery products, and digitizing marketing and payment systems. This study recommends the need to integrate blue economy policies with the agenda of strengthening MSMEs and regional financial inclusion to encourage sustainable and equitable coastal economic growth.