Survival Strategies Of "Baro Scavenger" Women During the Covid-19 Pandemic in Sawahlunto

Abstract

. This article describes the survival strategies of the “Mulung Baro” (“Coal Scavenger”) women during the Covid-19 pandemic in the city of Sawahlunto. In addition, the article analyzes the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the households of “Coal Scavenger” women. The involvement of women in mining activities is quite striking. Until now, mining has been perceived as a male-dominated role. However, in the mines of Sawahlunto, women are found scavenging for coal. This scavenging role is performed primarily by women, who are known as “Mulung Baro.” Due to the reduced workforce for both men and women in Sawahlunto throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, residents of Sawahlunto, especially women, have become increasingly at-risk of falling below the poverty line, especially women. This is exacerbated by mining company regulations which prohibit women from involvement in mining activities. These mining companies’ regulations are directly tied to the policies enacted by Sawahlunto City’s local government prohibiting scavenging and digging for coal outside the mines. As a result, women are provided few opportunities for mining work, and coupled with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the income of their households, they are struggling financially. This article is a gender-based applied anthropological approach which relies on qualitative methods that are descriptive and holistic. This article is a case study of the “Mulung Baro” women in Sawahlunto. The data collection techniques employed include literature review, in-depth interviews, participant-observation, life stories, and Focus Group Discussion. The data are analyzed according to qualitative descriptive methods. The findings shed light on the varied efforts and strategies undertaken by the “Coal Scavenger” women to sustain the livelihoods of their households. The strategies of the “Coal Scavenger” women include: a) developing new skills in order to provide secondary sources of income such as: massaging massage therapy, baking and selling cakes or snacks, cooking for wedding events as day laborers, b) decreasing household spending, and c) performing jobs usually not undertaken by women, such as serving as neighborhood security in the nagari (village). In conclusion, “Coal Scavenger” women undertake various strategies as housewives in order to sustain their households. This includes doing jobs normally viewed as reserved for men, such as working for neighborhood security. In fact, these “Coal Scavengers” are accustomed to jobs with inherent risks, leading them to have already exercised ‘faith’ when faced with any workplace hazards. The main goal of “Mulung Baro” women is increasing household income in order to provide for the needs of their children and other family members during the Covid-19 pandemic.