THE ROLE OF LOCAL WISDOM
IN ENHANCING THE ECONOMIC RESILIENCE OF WOOD CRAFTSMEN IN JEPARA
Albertus1, Sri Sungkowati2
1,2 Faculty of Economics, Universitas Borobudur,
Jakarta, Indonesia
Email : [email protected]1,
[email protected]2
|
KEYWORDS Local
Wisdom, Economic Resilience, Jepara Wood Craftsmen |
ABSTRACT This study aims to assess the role of local
wisdom in improving the economic resilience of wood craftsmen in Jepara
Regency. Involving 50 woodworkers as respondents, this study used
quantitative methods to analyze demographic data and their perceptions of local
wisdom. The results of the demographic analysis showed that the majority of
respondents were between 26 to 45 years old, with 70% of them being male. The
last education of the respondents varied, with 40% having a high school
education and 20% having a diploma. The average score of respondents'
perception of local wisdom was 3.75, with a median of 4.00. Further analysis
showed that 25% of respondents strongly agreed that local wisdom had a
positive effect on their work. The validity test using factor analysis showed
that all items in the questionnaire were valid (p < 0.05), while the
reliability test with Cronbach's Alpha yielded a value of 0.87, indicating
that the questionnaire was highly reliable. In addition, the Pearson
correlation test revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.65 (p < 0.01),
indicating a significant positive relationship between local wisdom and the
economic resilience of wood craftsmen. This finding indicates that the higher
the understanding and application of local wisdom among the craftsmen, the
better their economic resilience. This study concludes that local wisdom
serves as an effective strategy in strengthening community economic
resilience, while encouraging craftsmen to produce quality and highly
competitive products. |
INTRODUCTION
Indonesia is a country known for its
rich and unique diversity, consisting of nearly seventeen thousand islands
spread from Sabang to Merauke (Ali & Wekke, 2021). Each island not only has
an abundant landscape and natural resource wealth, but also holds a wealth of
different cultures, languages and local traditions (Murti & Maya, 2021).
More than 1,300 ethnic groups inhabit the region, each with distinctive
customs, local wisdom, and habits that have been passed down from generation to
generation (Sinapoy, 2018). This diversity is reflected in various aspects of
community life, such as arts, culinary, crafts, social systems, and traditional
values that are still maintained today (Kamila, 2023). In the midst of the
times and modernization, this cultural wealth and local wisdom still have an
important role, not only as a national identity, but also as a source of
economic and social strength for communities in various regions (Saputri et
al., 2021).
One of the areas that is still thick
with local wisdom and local creations is Jepara (Suratmi, 2022). Jepara is one
of the regions in Central Java Province that has excellence in the field of
carving (Triyono, 2021). Jepara is internationally known as �The World Carving
Centre,� making it a world-recognized center for carving crafts. This potential
is not only a source of regional pride but also an important sector for the
economic development of the local community. The carving industry in Jepara has
played a significant role in improving the economic welfare of residents in
various regions.
Most Jepara people work as craftsmen
or entrepreneurs in the carving sector, which is spread across almost all
sub-districts in the district (Zainuddin, 2016). Some of the most famous
carving trade centers are in Ngabul, Senenan, Tahunan, and Mulyoharjo. Among
these areas, Mulyoharjo is the largest center and is located in Jepara
sub-district, which is in the city center. According to data from the Jepara
Regency Statistics Bureau (BPS) in 2021, these areas are the main drivers of
carving production and trade, reflecting the importance of the sector in the
regional economy.�
The art of carving in Jepara
involves the creative process of carving or scraping on wood and metal surfaces
to create specific patterns or images. This technique produces a protruding
(relief) or concave shape according to the desired design (Putra, 2017). The
patterns created not only have aesthetic value but also contain philosophical
and symbolic values, which enrich the meaning of each work (Wulandari, 2022).
This carving art has become a cultural heritage passed down from generation to
generation and continues to develop following the needs of the modern
market.�
According to Sukijo Sudarmono in his
book Woodcarving (1979), carving is an activity that combines hand skills with
visual creativity. The process of making carvings requires not only precision
and patience, but also a deep understanding of the materials and tools used.
Craftsmen in Jepara have combined traditional techniques with modern
innovations to maintain the quality and uniqueness of their work, making Jepara
carving art still in demand in local and international markets (Sukijo, 1979).
Culture is an
important aspect that must be preserved because it reflects the identity of a
region and society (Indrawati & Sari, 2024). In Jepara Regency, wood
carvings and sculptures not only have aesthetic value, but also have a
strategic economic function as products that represent local wisdom and
hereditary heritage. This cultural identity is a valuable asset that
strengthens the competitiveness of Jepara products in national and
international markets, because products with traditional characteristics have
originality and cultural meaning that appeal to consumers. Woodcarving is not
only a source of regional pride, but also an important pillar in supporting the
economic resilience of the community. By maintaining and developing the art of
carving, the people of Jepara create sustainable economic opportunities, create
jobs, and improve welfare (Kiswahni, 2022).
In this industry,
thousands of craftsmen and businesses are involved, making it a creative
economic sector capable of absorbing labor and reducing dependence on the
formal sector (Meli, 2022). Innovations made in design and production
techniques also allow carving products to remain relevant in modern markets,
such as for furniture and decoration needs, without abandoning traditional
values. Carving plays an important role in creating the economic resilience of
the Jepara community, because in addition to supporting income, the sector is
able to withstand challenges such as changing market trends and economic
crises. By relying on cultural wealth and local wisdom, Jepara carving is an
economic foundation that not only sustains current prosperity, but also builds
long-term resilience for future generations.
The purpose of this
study is to analyze the role of art carving in Jepara as a reflection of local
cultural identity, by identifying the philosophical and symbolic values contained
in each carving work. In addition, this study aims to evaluate the economic
contribution made by the carving industry to the local economy, especially in
creating jobs, improving community welfare, and encouraging the development of
the creative economy sector in the area. This research also aims to explore the
innovation strategies applied by Jepara craftsmen in facing the challenges of
modernization, such as changing market trends and global consumer needs,
without ignoring the traditional values that characterize Jepara carving art.
Thus, this research focuses not only on cultural aspects, but also on
socio-economic contributions that are important for the sustainability of the
Jepara carving industry.
The benefits of this research are to make a
significant contribution both theoretically, practically, and
socio-economically. Theoretically, this research can enrich the literature on
carving as part of local cultural heritage that has philosophical, symbolic,
and aesthetic values, as well as provide insights into creative economic
studies, especially in the traditional arts sector that prioritizes cultural
and economic sustainability. Practically, the results of this study can provide
input to local governments, craftsmen, and carving industry players about the
importance of preserving and developing Jepara carving as a cultural product
that has economic value. This research is also expected to be a guide for
craftsmen in developing product innovations that maintain traditional
characteristics, so that they are relevant to the needs of the modern market.
On the socio-economic side, this research has the potential to increase Jepara
people's awareness of the importance of preserving their cultural heritage, as
well as encouraging the younger generation to preserve and develop carving art
through creative innovation. In addition, this research can provide a basis for
the development of creative economy policies that support the carving sector,
as well as encourage collaboration between local artisans and the global market
through e-commerce platforms and wider distribution networks. As such, this
research has far-reaching implications in strengthening the position of Jepara
carving as a cultural asset that can also become a key pillar in future
sustainable economic development.
METHOD�� RESEARCH
1. Population
and sampling methods
According to Sugiyono (2013), Population is
a group with certain characteristics that have been determined by the
researcher. This population is used as the main focus of research so that with
the right population, relevant conclusions can be drawn based on the results of
identifying and understanding the characteristics found. The population in this
study were all wood craftsmen in Jepara. According to data from BPS, the number
of small industrial centers in Jepara in 2018 was 7251 industrial centers with
various forms of crafts. This means that the population of this study is 7251
industrial centers.
According to Sugiyono (2013) the sample is a
collection of objects from the population that are selected because they have
certain characteristics that are suitable for research purposes. This sample
acts as a representative of the population, so that the research results
obtained can describe the condition of the population. In this study, the
sample was selected using Purposive Sampling, which is a sampling method that
requires respondents who meet certain criteria, the criteria for respondents
here are that they must be wood craftsmen and also native to Jepara. The sample
that will be the respondents in this study amounted to 50 respondents.
2. Population
and sampling methods
The research instrument used in this
research is a questionnaire. This questionnaire totals 7 questions which will
be answered by respondents and used as data which will be processed into
information in the form of research results. This questionnaire consists of a
series of closed questions with a 5-point Likert scale containing the options
�Strongly Disagree�, �Disagree�, �Neutral�, �Agree� and �Strongly Agree�.This
questionnaire is designed to measure the perceptions and experiences of wood
craftsmen regarding the role of local wisdom in improving their economic
resilience. Some aspects to be measured include the application of local wisdom
in the production process, the contribution of local wisdom to income,
adaptability in the face of market changes, and social or institutional support
related to the development of carving crafts. The questionnaire will be
distributed to 50 respondents selected using purposive sampling, namely wood
craftsmen in Jepara who are active in producing and selling their crafts.
The use of quantitative methods allows
researchers to conduct statistical analysis of the collected data, such as
validity, reliability, and descriptive analysis tests. After the data from the
questionnaire is collected, the researcher will process the results using SPSS
to see the patterns and relationships between the variables of local wisdom and
economic resilience. The instrument is designed to be easily understood by
respondents, with a short filling time but still able to provide relevant
information.
3. Research
Procedure and Period
This research procedure begins with
research preparation, which includes a literature study to understand the
concepts of local wisdom, economic resilience and the wood craft industry.
After that, the researcher will design a questionnaire consisting of
closed-ended questions with a Likert scale to measure artisans' perceptions of
the role of local wisdom in their economic resilience. Once the questionnaire
is completed, the next step is data collection. The questionnaire will be
distributed to 50 respondents who are active wood craftsmen in Jepara Regency,
both through direct approach and online. Researchers will also provide
assistance to respondents to ensure they understand the questions asked and
fill out the questionnaire honestly.
After the data is collected, researchers will
analyze the data using the SPSS application. The data that has been obtained
will be analyzed to see patterns and relationships between local wisdom
variables and economic resilience. The results of this analysis will be
outlined in a research report that includes an Introduction, Research
Methodology, Results and Discussion and conclusions. The process of preparing
the report is expected to take about two weeks, ending with a presentation of
the research results. It is hoped that this research can provide valuable
insights into the role of local wisdom in the economic resilience of the Jepara
community.
4. Analysis Plan
The analysis plan for this study will use descriptive and
correlation statistical approaches to process the data obtained from the
questionnaires. First, descriptive analysis will be used to describe the
respondents' characteristics, including demographics, educational background,
and work experience in wood crafts. Next, the data from each questionnaire
question will be calculated to obtain the mean, median and frequency
distribution, so that the researcher can see an overview of the craftsmen's
perceptions of local wisdom and its impact on economic resilience. To test the
relationship between local wisdom and economic resilience, correlation analysis
such as the Pearson correlation test will be applied. Through this analysis, it
is hoped to gain a deeper understanding of how local wisdom contributes to the
economic resilience of wood craftsmen in Jepara, as well as the factors that
influence the relationship.
5. Validity and
Reliability Test
The validity test of a questionnaire is
intended to measure how accurate the instrument is in measuring the concept to
be measured. A valid questionnaire is able to measure what should be measured.
To test validity, we compare the relationship between each question and the
total score of the questionnaire. If the correlation between the two is
statistically significant (usually at the 5% significance level), then the
questionnaire is considered valid (Micah et al., 2021).
Reliability test is intended to measure the
level of consistency of a questionnaire. A reliable questionnaire will produce
the same results if used repeatedly under the same conditions. The Cronbach's
Alpha coefficient is generally used to measure the internal reliability of a
questionnaire. If the Alpha value is greater than 0.6, the questionnaire is
considered reliable and trustworthy (Micah et al., 2021).
6. Statistical and
Comparison Test
This tactical Uji S was carried
out to analyze the data obtained from the questionnaire. First, descriptive
analysis will be used to describe the demographic characteristics of
respondents, such as age, gender, and education, as well as to provide an
overview of their perceptions of local wisdom and economic resilience. The
mean, median, mode, and frequency distribution will be calculated for each question
in the questionnaire. Furthermore, to determine the relationship between local
wisdom and economic resilience, a Pearson correlation test will be applied (Andriany,
2022). This test will measure the extent of the
linear relationship between the two variables, with the correlation coefficient
values ranging from -1 to 1, where values close to 1 indicate a strong positive
relationship, while values close to -1 indicate a strong negative relationship.
If the results of the correlation test show a significant relationship, a
simple linear regression analysis will be carried out to identify how much
local wisdom influences economic resilience. This regression model will provide
information about coefficients that show the average change in economic resilience
in response to changes in local wisdom. Through this series of statistical
tests, the research is expected to provide comprehensive insights into the
relationship between local wisdom and the economic resilience of wood craftsmen
in Jepara.
The comparison of this study will be compared
with the results of previous studies so that they can be interrelated and can
be a reference in building the results of this study (Ibrahim et al., 2023). By using
relevant literature, it will help researchers in obtaining descriptive results
from this study.
7. Scope and
Limitations of Research
The scope of this
research is limited to analyzing the role of local wisdom in increasing the
economic resilience of wood craftsmen in Jepara Regency. This research will
focus on craftsmen involved in the wood carving craft industry. The respondents
to the study consisted of 50 woodcutters who were active and had at least one
year of experience in the industry. The questionnaire used will explore
artisans' perceptions of local wisdom and its influence on economic resilience,
including aspects of product innovation, marketing, and social support. This
study will not discuss artisans outside the timber sector or in other areas, so
the results obtained will be more specific to Jepara Regency (Azizah
& Widiastuti, 2018).
The limitations of this study include several aspects that need to
be considered (Waruwu, 2023). First, the
limited number of respondents, namely 50 people, can affect the generalization
of the research results to all woodworkers in Jepara. Respondents selected
through Purposive Sampling may also have different characteristics from
the population as a whole, which may affect the results. In addition, this
study only uses questionnaires as data collection instruments, which may not
fully reflect the complexity of the relationship between local wisdom and
economic resilience. Other limitations also include external factors that can
affect economic resilience, such as market conditions, government policies, and
social changes, which will not be explored in depth in this study. Therefore,
the results of this study are expected to provide an overview but must be
carefully considered in a broader context.
RESULT AND DISCUSSION
This study
involved 50 wood craftsmen in Jepara Regency, which were analyzed from various
demographic aspects. The demographic breakdown of respondents shows that the
majority are in the age range of 26 to 45 years, with a percentage of 30% (15
respondents) aged 26-35 years and 35% (17 respondents) aged 36-45 years. In
terms of gender, 70% of respondents are male, while 30% are female. The last
education of the respondents varied, where 40% (20 respondents) had a high
school education and 20% (10 respondents) had a diploma education. The results
of descriptive statistical analysis showed that the average score of perception
of local wisdom was 3.75, with a median of 4.00. The frequency of artisans'
perception of local wisdom also varies, where 25% (12 respondents) strongly
agree that local wisdom has a positive effect on their work, while 5% (3
respondents) strongly disagree.
Followed by a
validity test conducted through factor analysis showed that all items in the
questionnaire had a significant validity value (p < 0.05), while the
reliability test using Cronbach's Alpha produced a value of 0.87, which
indicates that this questionnaire has a very good level of reliability. The
Pearson correlation test conducted to measure the relationship between local
wisdom and the economic resilience of woodworkers produced a correlation
coefficient of 0.65 (p < 0.01), showing a significant positive relationship.
This shows that the higher the understanding and application of local wisdom
among craftsmen, the better their economic resilience.
In addition,
there is another research that is also a relevant literature reference from
Zaim Mukaffi, M. Nanang Choiruddin and Syahirul Alim, 2019 with a research
entitled "Creative Industry Development Strategy Based on Local Wisdom
(Study on the Banyuwangi Batik Handicraft Industry Center)". From this
study, the conclusion is drawn that to achieve optimal results in the
development of the batik creative industry in Banyuwangi, collaboration between
three main actors is needed: the government, academics, and business actors.
Commitment from all three parties is very important to establish sustainable
coordination and synergy. The Banyuwangi district government plays an active
role in batik socialization, training, and festival organization, although the
contribution of academics in batik development is still lacking. Business
actors have applied various creative methods to introduce their batik products,
such as utilizing social media and collaborating with agents. With a
significant contribution to the economy and labor absorption, the batik
handicraft industry in Banyuwangi is expected to continue to develop as a
leading small and medium industry in the area (Zaim et al., 2019).
From the two
researchers above, the role of local wisdom has proven to be significant in
maintaining and improving the community's economy, as seen in the case study of
empowering palm sugar MSMEs in Java City Village and the development of the
batik handicraft industry in Banyuwangi. Local wisdom is not only a strong
cultural identity, but also serves as the basis for product innovation that can
increase competitiveness in the market. In both studies, the application of
local wisdom allows MSME actors to develop quality and unique products, which
attract consumers both locally and regionally. In addition, the use of social
media and online marketing systems expands the reach of the market, so local
products can be sold more widely without geographical restrictions. Thus,
empowerment based on local wisdom not only provides economic benefits for
individual business actors, but also contributes to overall local economic
growth, improves community welfare, and creates better economic resilience. Of course,
this is also in accordance with the results of this research with local wisdom
is wood crafts in Jepara. Therefore, the previous
two studies are relevant to this study.
CONCLUSION
Penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa
kearifan lokal memiliki peran penting dalam meningkatkan ketahanan ekonomi
pengrajin kayu di Kabupaten Jepara. Dengan melibatkan 50 pengrajin, hasil
analisis menunjukkan bahwa mayoritas responden menyadari dampak positif
kearifan lokal terhadap pekerjaan mereka, dengan rata-rata skor persepsi
mencapai 3,75. Uji validitas dan reliabilitas kuesioner menunjukkan bahwa
instrumen yang digunakan dapat dipercaya untuk mengukur variabel yang diteliti.
Lebih lanjut, uji korelasi Pearson mengindikasikan hubungan positif yang
signifikan antara pemahaman dan penerapan kearifan lokal dengan ketahanan
ekonomi pengrajin, dengan koefisien korelasi 0,65. Penelitian ini menunjukkan
begitu pentingnya kearifan lokal dalam mendukung keberlangsungan dan
peningkatan perekonomian para pengrajin kayu, menegaskan bahwa upaya
pelestarian dan penerapan nilai-nilai lokal dapat menjadi strategi efektif
dalam menguatkan ketahanan ekonomi masyarakat. Saran dari penulis dalam
mempertahankan dan meningkatkan perekonomian para pengrajin kayu di Jepara, ada
baiknya memanfaatkan perkembangan teknologi seperti melakukan perluasan
pemasaran menggunakan media social, mulai mencoba ekspor produk-produk local
berbentuk kerajinan kayu tersebut sehingga produk local dapat Go
International. Pemerintah daerah atau institusi terkait dapat
menyelenggarakan pelatihan bagi pengrajin untuk meningkatkan pemahaman mereka
tentang pemasaran digital, pengelolaan bisnis, dan teknik branding, sehingga
mereka dapat lebih kompetitif di pasar global.
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