ISLAMIC BUSINESS ETHICS AND RUBBER FARMER EMPOWERMENT: A QUALITATIVE STUDY IN LANGKAP VILLAGE, MUSI BANYUASIN

Abstract

This study examines rubber farmers' business behavior and the implementation of Islamic business ethics in empowering rubber-based businesses in Langkap Village, Babat Supat District, Musi Banyuasin Regency. The study employs a qualitative field-research approach. Informants were selected purposively and consisted of five rubber farmers and four middlemen directly involved in rubber economic activities. Data were collected through interviews, observation, and documentation, while data validity was examined through source, technique, and time triangulation. Data were analyzed using the Miles and Huberman framework through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing and verification. The findings indicate that rubber farming businesses remain predominantly traditional, relying on inherited experience and focusing on primary production and the immediate fulfillment of household needs. Farmers have made efforts to maintain productivity through fertilization, land maintenance, replanting, and adaptation to weather conditions, yet product processing, market expansion, value-added creation, and farmer-group participation remain limited. From the perspective of Islamic business ethics, farmers generally demonstrate awareness of tawhid, equilibrium or justice, free will, and responsibility. Nevertheless, their implementation remains partial. Cases involving the mixing of rubber with other materials indicate inconsistencies in honesty and product quality, while limited market access, debt relationships, and dependence on middlemen restrict farmers' effective freedom of choice. The study concludes that Islamic business ethics have been normatively internalized but have not yet been fully transformed into sustainable business empowerment. Strengthening farmer institutions, market access, processing capabilities, and Islamic business ethics education is therefore required to increase farmers' economic independence and the value added of rubber products.