Strategi Bertahan Penenun Ulos Kacucak dalam Menghadapi Tantangan Ekonomi (Studi Kasus Penenun Ulos Kacucak di Kelurahan Asuhan, Siantar Timur)

Abstract

This thesis aims to provide understanding or knowledge about the survival strategies carried out by ulos weavers. Where many people do not know how ulos weavers can survive facing economic difficulties. This study uses qualitative methods using observation techniques, in-depth interviews and documentation. The research findings show that ulos weavers in the Orphanage Village have a strong motivation to survive because they have a bond with weaving and they depend on weaving for their life. Economic challenges include the cause of the increase in raw materials from the increase in raw materials, namely the absence of raw material suppliers in North Sumatra having to order directly from Java or even China. Basically, the increase in raw materials is not a big problem if the price of ulos also rises. However, here the boss plays a very important role in determining the price of ulos. Patron and Client is a relationship that has existed for a long time, a relationship that is built like a bond between a weaver and a boss. In the Asuhan Kelurahan there are two groups of weavers, namely weavers who make ulos weaving their main job and weavers who make ulos weaving a side job, of course the two weavers have a way of adaptation, which is different if weavers whose main job is weaving and have no other income, the adaptation method tends to be aggressive or the weaver does everything such as owing the yarn to the employer, this makes the weaver more binding and has no bargaining value in the eyes of the tower, reducing raw materials even though the weaver is aware that it is not a good thing and can be detrimental but he still does it and increases the hours Work. In contrast to harvesters who have income from other sectors, they have survival strategies that tend to be safe, or strategies that do not have big consequences such as ulos modification, focusing on one motive or knowledge transfe