Economic Empowerment of Indigenous Papuan Women “Mama Papua” in West Papua: Islamic Financial Perspective

Purpose: Papuan women have a dual role in the family. Apart from being a mother, she is also the breadwinner for her family. Selling local agricultural products in traditional markets is their primary source of uncertain income. This condition is motivated by unpreparedness and competition with the transmigrants who live in the area. In general, this study aims to explore and offer a model for empowering indigenous Papuan women in improving the economy. The empowerment model referred to is linked to the perspective of Islamic finance. Approach/Methodology/Design: The research method is qualitative with interview techniques in collecting data. As many as 15 Papuan mothers from the Kokoda tribe in traditional markets were used as informants. Furthermore, the data collected was analyzed in three stages, namely: data reduction, data presentation, concluding/verification. Findings: The results showed that 1) the products that mama Papua sold were agricultural products. Sold traditionally in storefronts or roadside stalls 2) income from sales is used to meet the needs for clothing, food, children's education, business capital, and family savings; and 3) empowerment of "mama Papua" can be done through a) providing access to capital through donations and banking, and b) ongoing assistance with stakeholders focused on optimizing business ethos, developing economic attitudes and skills in product sales. Practical Implications: The implication is that "mama Papua" as an entity of indigenous Papuans can compete (independently) in his own hands if marketing competence can be improved through various sustainable parties' involvement. Originality/Value: Capital assistance through infaq and banking and stakeholder support are key instruments in increasing Papuan women's businesses in traditional markets.