The proliferation of Warung Madura in major Indonesian cities has become a symbol of the resilience and work ethic of the Madurese people. This analysis views the phenomenon as a complex manifestation of diaspora economics, extending beyond mere small-scale business. Relying on social capital, kinship networks, and an unyielding spirit, Warung Madura have expanded and endured amid the onslaught of modern retail capitalism. However, behind this success in urban areas lies a paradox that reveals deep vulnerabilities in the home villages, particularly in Sumenep Regency.
This analysis finds that remittances sent by migrants, while boosting consumption and physical development, tend to be consumptive in nature and fail to drive productive investments. The massive migration of young people also creates a regeneration crisis in the agricultural and fisheries sectors, threatening food security and local economic sustainability. Furthermore, new social disparities emerge, where access to migration networks becomes the primary determinant of social mobility, creating a divide between connected families and those left behind.
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