Oceans are central to Indonesia’s prosperity with millions of people depending on coastal resources for their well-being as well as its function to the ecological ecosystem. Small-scale fisheries (SSF) contribute significantly to Indonesia’s economic productivity since they account for 90% of fisheries production (Halim et al., 2019). However, this small industry is characterized by high poverty rates and vulnerability due to limited access to reliable energy, climatic change, and unsustainable fishing practices. Three fundamental resources that support this small industry are water, energy, and food (WEF). The WEF in SSF are interconnected and interdependent. Changes in one system can significantly impact others, which can affect SSF and their communities. Thus, it is imperative to understand the current performance of the WEF resource management system in SSF to support their economic growth, social well-being, and environmental sustainability holistically.

This study applied a WEF nexus analytical model using the Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) with the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to evaluate the performance of sustainability and resource management of SSF based on the perspective of the key stakeholders. The interview and field survey were conducted to illustrate the interconnectedness of each nexus and how it is impacting the SSF. The integrated WEF nexus index was calculated at 0.166, which is lowly sustainable, and indicates the SSF’s exposure to vulnerabilities and unsustainable business practices. The WEF nexus provides better adaptation options, as it guides the decision-making process by identifying priority areas needing intervention and enhancing synergies.

This research revealed a critical link between energy accessibility and food security, particularly due to the limited availability of subsidized gas stations affecting fishing operations through fuel consumption constraints. Concerns about food productivity stemming from unsustainable tools further emphasize the need for immediate action. The study underscores the imperative for a holistic approach to sustainability and resource management in Indonesia's small-scale fisheries sector, necessitating urgent interventions across technical, governance, and financial domains to support economic growth and environmental sustainability.