DINAMIKA RELASI SOSIAL PETANI TEMBAKAU DAN PENGEPUL DALAM PRAKTIK PENETAPAN HARGA TEMBAKAU DI DESA LEKOR KECAMATAN JANAPRIA

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The bargaining position of tobacco farmers in rural trade is often shaped not only by market mechanisms but also by the social relationships established between farmers and middlemen. Inequality in access to market information, capital, and marketing networks creates an imbalance in the price-setting process, thereby affecting farmers' welfare. This study aims to analyze the dynamics of social relations between tobacco farmers and middlemen in the tobacco pricing practices of Lekor Village, Janapria District. The study employed a qualitative descriptive approach. Data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation involving tobacco farmers, middlemen, community leaders, and village officials selected through purposive sampling. The data were analyzed using the Miles and Huberman interactive model and validated through source and technique triangulation. The findings reveal that the relationship between farmers and middlemen is built upon trust, kinship, and mutual assistance that have developed over time. Limited access to market information, business capital, and distribution networks weakens farmers' bargaining position, while middlemen hold a more dominant role in determining prices. This unequal bargaining position subsequently fosters farmers' economic dependence on middlemen, which is reflected in debt-based financial arrangements that support farming activities. As a result, farmers' marketing decisions are influenced more by long-standing social relationships than by market mechanisms alone.

ABSTRAK

Posisi tawar petani tembakau dalam praktik perdagangan di pedesaan sering kali dipengaruhi tidak hanya oleh mekanisme pasar, tetapi juga oleh relasi sosial yang berkembang antara petani dan pengepul. Ketimpangan akses terhadap informasi, modal, dan jaringan pemasaran menyebabkan proses penetapan harga berpotensi berlangsung tidak seimbang sehingga memengaruhi kesejahteraan petani. Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis dinamika relasi sosial antara petani tembakau dan pengepul dalam praktik penetapan harga tembakau di Desa Lekor, Kecamatan Janapria. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan jenis penelitian deskriptif. Data dikumpulkan melalui observasi, wawancara mendalam, dan dokumentasi terhadap petani, pengepul, tokoh masyarakat, dan perangkat desa yang dipilih secara purposive. Data dianalisis menggunakan model Miles dan Huberman serta diuji melalui triangulasi sumber dan teknik. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa relasi petani dan pengepul dibangun atas dasar kepercayaan, hubungan kekeluargaan, dan praktik saling membantu yang berlangsung secara berkelanjutan. Keterbatasan akses informasi pasar, modal usaha, dan jaringan distribusi menyebabkan posisi tawar petani cenderung lemah, sedangkan pengepul memiliki posisi yang lebih dominan dalam proses penetapan harga. Kondisi tersebut selanjutnya membentuk ketergantungan ekonomi petani terhadap pengepul, yang tercermin dalam hubungan hutang piutang sebagai mekanisme pembiayaan usaha tani. Akibatnya, keputusan penjualan hasil panen lebih banyak dipengaruhi oleh relasi sosial daripada mekanisme pasar semata.