The bilih fish that produced graduates from the shores of Lake Singkarak

For many years, Lake Singkarak, situated across Tanah Datar and Solok regencies, has been a source of livelihood for communities surrounding the tectonic lake.

The lake, spanning approximately 107 square kilometres with a depth of 268 metres, serves as the economic heartbeat for local residents.

Beyond the natural resources contained within it, the lake’s beauty and landscape framed by green hills also attracts tourists who frequently visit Lake Singkarak.

It is in this ancient lake that the bilih fish population thrives. The endemic species, with the Latin name Mystacoleucus padangensis, is both the star attraction and the primary source of income for communities around Lake Singkarak.

Nearly all residents along the lake’s shores depend on the bilih fish for their livelihoods. Some work as fishermen, others as collectors, and many as micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) operators processing bilih fish.

One such entrepreneur is Elvi Rita (52), a resident of Jorong Baing, Nagari Guguak Malalo, Batipuh Selatan sub-district, Tanah Datar regency, who has been running a bilih fish processing business for over a decade.

Through her enterprise, Elvi has successfully put all three of her children through university to graduation. Her eldest graduated from the Faculty of Law at Andalas University (UNAND) and is currently awaiting a work placement at one of the state-owned banks under Himbara (the association of state-owned banks). Her second child is establishing a travel business, and her youngest is a police officer.

“All of the education costs for my three children came from bilih fish processing,” she said.

Notably, through her bilih fish processing business, Elvi is able to employ between five and nine local workers daily. When fish supplies are plentiful, she employs nine local housewives. However, when fishermen’s catches decline, only two or three are employed.