Local Wisdom and Household Economic Resilience among Sago-Selling Women in Papua

Abstract

Papuan mothers (mama-mama Papua) selling sago in Jayapura City fulfill a dual role as household managers and primary breadwinners through traditional market trading. However, limited access to formal capital, training, and institutional support creates a gap between the potential of sago as a commodity and the current economic empowerment efforts. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the household economic empowerment model for Papuan sago-vendor mothers and its impact on family income.

This study employed a qualitative method with a case study approach conducted at the Mama-Mama Papua Market, Youtefa Market, and Expo Market. Informants were selected using a purposive sampling technique, consisting of nine Papuan mothers actively engaged in selling sago. Data collection techniques included in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation. Data analysis followed the Miles and Huberman model, encompassing data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing.

The results indicated that the economic empowerment model was built through (1) the strengthening of business capital (personal savings, family allowances, cooperatives, People's Business Credit [KUR], and Direct Cash Assistance [BLT]) and (2) the enhancement of business partnerships, which were predominantly supplier-oriented rather than buyer-oriented. This model demonstrated a tangible impact on fulfilling household needs, financing children's education up to the university level for some informants, and providing a fluctuating yet consistently supportive family income. Consequently, this household economic empowerment model was adaptive, self-reliant, and rooted in local wisdom, offering valuable contributions to local wisdom-based Islamic economic studies and serving as a reference for Papuan women empowerment policies.