Academy of Strategic Management Journal Volume 20, Special Issue 6, 2021 1 Strategic Management and Decision Process 1939-6104-20-S6-129 ADAPTATION STRATEGY OF ASIENARA TRIBE TOWARD CLIMATE CHANGE IN BURUWAY DISTRICT, KAIMANA REGENCY, WEST PAPUA, INDONESIA Yohanes Kamakaula, University of Brawijaya, University of Papua Kliwon Hidayat, University of Brawijaya Iwan Triyuwono, University of Brawijaya Jati Batoro, University of Brawijaya ABSTRACT This study aims to reveal the adaptation strategy of Asienara’s tribal community to climate change. Method used in this research is a descriptive method. Data and information of respondents obtained in participatory manner using open-interview, semi-structured and in- depth interview techniques, focus group discussion (FGD), participatory observation and documentation. Data analysis was carried out using a qualitative descriptive approach with an emic-ethical perspective. Results of this study showed that East season is an extreme climate change phenomenon in the territory of the Asienara tribe. To deal with this extreme East season, adaptation strategy used by Asienarans was to divert their fisheries activity to farming, hunting and gathering activities. This occupational diversion during extreme climate showed that Asienarans did not have adequate tools for fisheries in order to survive during East season. Practical and integrated community empowerment program with the local culture and natural resources was necessary to improve Asienaran’s ability in responding to the local climate season. This study showed that local climate change or particularly East season in this area has a tremendous impact toward the lives of Asienarans. Abundance in natural resources has become the carrying capacity of Asienarans to survive while dealing with the local climate change. Keywords: Climate Change, Season, East Season, Adaptation Strategy, Fishing Gears INTRODUCTION Adaptation is a process by which organisms would overcome pressure and make adjustments to a certain environment (Kottak, 2017; Scupin, 2016). Adaptation is a characteristic that helps organisms to adjust themselves in order to survive in their environment (Glass, 2005; Kahn, 2012). Adaptation is also the core concept of ecological study, because living organisms, either plants, animals, or humans, always involve themselves in the process of responding to the structural and functional characteristics of their environment (Moran 2018). Before the adaptation process occurs, people should be aware whether their surrounding climate is changing or not (Tripathi and Mishra., 2015). An effective adaptation toward climate change will greatly depend on the awareness level and how the community feels the impact of these climate changes (Ado et al., 2018). Human adaptation toward their environment was the result of various individuals’ decisions on how to conduct best interaction with their surrounding nature. Regarding climate change, the notion of adaptation refers to all adjustments or moderations in natural systems or social systems as a response to climate change that is happening and or that will occur and taking advantage of opportunities that arise (Elum et al., 2017). United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (2007) suggests that adaptation is a process that should be adopted by people to make themselves more prepared to