Woman entrepreneurs in rural wetlands: Overcoming resistance to change

Despite economic empowerment efforts for rural women by the government of Indonesia, many women entrepreneurs in rural wetlands have not optimally achieved economic development. This study aims at analyzing developmental obstacles faced by entrepreneurial women in rural areas of South Kalimantan’s wetlands. Taking on a qualitative approach, this study was conducted on 6 villages along the banks of the Alalak River in South Kalimantan include. Data was collected through observation and in-depth interviews to understand the phenomenon from the point of view of the informant / research subject. Data analysis was by the Miles and Huberman interactive model. A rural sociology frame- work that incorporates peasant lifestyle is used for interpretation. Findings show that a total of 52 respondents worked to help their husbands / households to meet family needs. Husbands’ incomes are not sufficient for all family expenses. Only 23 percent of the informants process natural resources from wetlands into entrepreneurial products. The rest just sell the raw wetland plants and fish as is. A common characteristic revealed by the peasant communities in the wetland area through in-depth interview is the unwillingness to embrace known development efforts. This study presents discussions and suggestions that can be used in policy directions relating to women’s economic empowerment in wet- land areas particularly those targeting poverty alleviation efforts and achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs).