COVID-19, local wisdom, and resilience: The case of embroidery artisans in Indonesia

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the socio-economic activities of the large informal sector in developing countries, including in Indonesia. The response of this sector to the resulting crisis in Indonesia has been viewed in two ways: optimistic and pessimistic. The former sees resilience, while the latter vulnerability, in their respective analysis of the informal sector. This article specifically examined the resilience of the Indonesian informal sector engaged in embroidery making in the village communities of Balai Gurah, West Sumatra, and Garot, Aceh. Using literature study, direct observation, and in-depth interviews with the community artisans in both villages, various forms of resilience could be found in the face of the socio-economic crisis caused by the pandemic. Sources of resilience include local wisdom based on Islamic teachings and customary rules, natural resources availability, and community view on embroidery as cultural heritage.

Keywords

• COVID-19
• crisis
• embroidery
• resilience
• local wisdom