Bandung, 2023 — A recent study by Prijana, Iwan Koswara, and Neneng Komariah from Universitas Padjadjaran reveals how interactions among traders in Desa Kolot, Cikalong, Tasikmalaya have successfully enhanced production activities through a community-driven empowerment model.
This approach emerged in response to negative public perceptions of top-down interventionist empowerment strategies initiated by the village head. Instead, the community built voluntary partnerships between well-capitalized traders (major traders) and financially constrained traders (small traders).
In this model, major traders provide capital, raw materials, and production tools, while small traders focus on producing traditional local snacks. Small traders benefit from skill development and resource support, whereas major traders gain broader access to culinary markets, thereby expanding their customer base.
Although voluntary and rooted in local traditions, the study finds that patron-client dynamics are still evident, marked by unequal roles between larger and smaller traders. While this fosters economic continuity, it also carries the risk of domination and exploitation.
The findings highlight that community-based empowerment, despite its simplicity, can be a more acceptable and effective model for local communities. By optimizing local potential—particularly traditional culinary production—this model contributes to both economic resilience and cultural preservation.
The research also aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education) through knowledge and skill transfer among community members, and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by strengthening local economies rooted in tradition.
Full article available at: http://media.unpad.ac.id/files/publikasi/2024/rpm_20240813042250_6081.pdf
Writers: Ridha Amalia, Nadziva Shaqeena Firdaus, Shelpi Nur Awaliyah
