Perilaku Ekonomi Masyarakat Pekerja Batu Bata di Desa Siliwangi Kecamatan Singkut Kabupaten Sarolangun Provinsi Jambi Tahun 2022-2024 Economic Behavior of the Brick Worker Community in Siliwangi Village Singkut District Sarolangun Regency Jambi Province in 2022-2024

Abstract

Previous research has focused primarily on the brick industry’s contribution to community welfare, while workers’ behavior in managing income and coping with household financial constraints remains insufficiently explained. This study aims to analyze the economic behavior of brick industry workers in Siliwangi Village, Singkut Subdistrict, Sarolangun Regency, Jambi Province, during 2022–2024. The study employed a qualitative approach with a descriptive case study design. Data were collected through structured interviews, observation, and documentation, and then analyzed inductively through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The trustworthiness of the data was assessed through triangulation. The results showed an increase in the number of workers from 400 to 600 and in average nominal income from Rp2,000,000 to Rp3,000,000 per month. However, this increase in income did not fully ensure household economic stability because production remained affected by weather conditions. Household spending was prioritized for food (40%) and children’s education (15%), while the ability to save remained limited. To cope with financial constraints, workers adopted adaptation strategies that included reducing consumption, taking on side jobs, and borrowing. These findings indicate that increased nominal income was still accompanied by economic instability requiring adjustments to consumption and sources of livelihood. This study enriches understanding of the economic behavior of workers in small rural industries and provides a basis for strengthening worker protection, skills development, and access to capital to support family economic resilience.