Migrant traders, social capital, and the politics of local wisdom: A descriptive study of Warung Madura networks in Jakarta, Indonesia

Medhy Aginta Hidayat, Iskandar Dzulkarnain, Ida Ruwaida, Anita Kristina

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This article examines the factors driving the survival and self-reliance of Madurese migrant traders in Jakarta, Indonesia. Specifically, it aims to refine the long-standing argument that minority migrant groups are forced to adapt, become marginalized, and shed their identities. By combining perspectives on social capital and the politics of local wisdom, this mixed-method study provides an in-depth analysis of how Madurese migrant traders establish and develop networks of small grocery stalls, known as “Warung Madura,” in Jakarta. Our findings reveal that social capital – through strong Madurese ethnic and religious values, norms, networks, and trust among members – is the main driving force behind the success of these traders in Jakarta. Furthermore, strict adherence to local wisdom, specifically Madurese culture and traditional Islamic teachings, significantly contributes to their survival and self-reliance. The results suggest that the survival strategies employed by Madurese migrant traders, based on certain social capital and local wisdom, could serve as a model for the socioeconomic empowerment of urban ethnic migrant groups.

Original languageEnglish
Article number2637
Pages (from-to)63-76
Number of pages14
JournalInternational Journal of Population Studies
Volume10
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024

Keywords

  • Ethnic identity
  • Local wisdom
  • Madurese
  • Migrant traders
  • Social capital
  • Warung Madura

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