The Economic Security of Households Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic in Rural Java and Madura

Abstract

Every facet of life, including health, social, and economic aspects, has undergone a tremendous transformation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This condition is exacerbated by socioeconomic fragility and vulnerability amid economic uncertainty, with an enormous debt burden and inequality increasingly spreading to regions. Elements of society in Indonesia experience the problem of a lack of income and capital, in addition to vulnerability and helplessness. Social, economic, community–institutional, and resource vulnerabilities are inevitable; therefore, they must be identified, anticipated, and dealt with to avoid worsening. This research aims to identify the affected households and their economic resilience when facing the COVID-19 pandemic. A mixed approach with a sequential exploratory strategy was employed, whereby qualitative data were first collected and analyzed. Based on the findings of the first stage, quantitative data were obtained and examined in the second stage. This study was conducted in two rural locations with distinct characteristics: the Gunungkidul District on Java Island and the Bangkalan District on Madura Island. These findings demonstrate the economic resilience of households in Bangkalan and Gunungkidul. The factors that significantly influence economic resilience are household income, assets, and product availability in the market.