Analysis of Salt Policy Regulations and Their Impact on Salt Farmers’ Welfare: Achieving a Balance Between Regulation and Protection

Indonesia possesses considerable potential for salt production, particularly in Cirebon Regency, West Java, given its extensive maritime territory. However, challenges such as low productivity, poor quality, and limited access to technology and capital impede the development of the local salt industry. The preponderance of salt farmers' reliance on conventional methodologies engenders an incongruity between domestic market demand and production capacity. The present study undertakes a rigorous examination of the extant regulations pertaining to salt policies and their impact on farmers' welfare in Waruduwur Village, Mundu Sub-district. The present study employs a qualitative case study approach to investigate the role of government policies in overcoming capital and technological barriers, including the application of geomembrane technology. It is hypothesized that the findings will provide recommendations for balancing effective regulation and farmer protection. The implementation of these recommendations is expected to improve farmers' welfare, reduce import dependency, and enhance the competitiveness of local salt in the national market.