Arisan: A Traditional Indonesian Approach to Climate Resilience

Arisan, a distinctive Indonesian tradition, has long been an integral part of the community’s life. This form of collective saving is not only a method of saving money but also serves as a social platform that strengthens community bonds. In the face of increasingly evident climate change challenges, arisan holds the potential to transform into a mechanism for building climate resilience, particularly for women in rural areas. Its informal nature, combined with a sense of family and community, can be an effective institution for addressing the impacts of climate change at a local scale. Arisan, which involves the rotation of resources, be it money or goods, can address the need for a platform that consolidates resources for local communities, where existing mechanisms are relatively trusted, with social control as its primary guarantee.

Definition and History of Arisan

Arisan is a form of group savings and loans where members regularly contribute a certain amount of money, which is then drawn by lot and given to one member at each meeting. According to the Indonesian Dictionary (KBBI), arisan is an activity where a group of people collects money or goods of equal value, and then a draw is held to determine who receives the collected amount, with the process repeated regularly until all members have received it. This tradition has long been practiced in Indonesia, serving various purposes ranging from urgent needs to investments. Arisan is often accompanied by other social activities, such as family gatherings, religious studies, or other religious events. The term “arisan” emerged in Indonesia due to cultural acculturation, especially with Chinese traders who conducted business in Indonesia. The concept of arisan, originally from China, evolved according to Indonesian culture, emphasizing the principles of mutual cooperation and family values.

The Practice of Arisan in Indonesian Society

In Indonesian society, arisan operates outside the formal economy as an alternative money-saving system. However, arisan is also intended as a social gathering, although participation sometimes feels obligatory due to the commitment to pay and attend every time a draw is held. The definition of arisan involves a group of people who regularly collect money at specific intervals. Once the money is collected, one group member is selected through a draw or agreement to receive the pooled funds. The essence of arisan is to foster social interaction and a sense of togetherness, as it involves interaction with neighbors and develops social awareness.

Arisan is typically held regularly, whether weekly, monthly, or even annually, depending on the members’ agreement. The forms of arisan also vary, from money, goods, to services. This practice not only helps in financial matters but also strengthens social relationships among community members.

Climate Resilience-Based Arisan

Recognizing the potential of arisan, this mechanism can be adapted to develop climate resilience in villages, especially for women who often drive community initiatives. Here are some innovative ideas to leverage arisan in addressing climate change:

1. Adaptation Arisan
   Villages can form arisan specifically for climate change adaptation. Members can discuss and pool funds to build infrastructure that helps mitigate extreme weather. For example, arisan funds can be used to build levees, infiltration wells, or better irrigation systems. In the foothills of Mount Merbabu, the Indonesian Environmental Resilience Foundation (YRLI) has initiated an arisan to build biogas infrastructure, which not only reduces carbon emissions but also provides clean energy for residents.
2. Food Security Arisan
   Arisan can also focus on food security. Members can invest in drought-resistant crops or purchase superior seeds. The harvest can be shared among members, ensuring food sustainability even in challenging seasons. This can be seen from the women’s microfinance arisan program in Petungkriyono by YRLI, which helps women develop sustainable agriculture.

Training and Knowledge Sharing

In addition to fundraising, arisan can serve as a platform for education and training:

1. Educational Sessions
   Every arisan meeting can include educational sessions on climate change, sustainable practices, and ways to reduce environmental impact. This will increase awareness and knowledge among arisan members.
2. Skills Training
   Arisan can become a platform for skills training, such as composting, waste management, or sustainable farming techniques. This way, women can acquire new skills that benefit their environmental resilience.

Investing in Sustainable Infrastructure

Arisan funds can be used to build infrastructure that supports climate resilience:

1. Environmental Infrastructure
   Arisan members can pool funds to build solar panels, eco-friendly toilets, or wastewater treatment systems. This will improve the quality of life while reducing environmental impact.
2. Reforestation
   Arisan can invest in tree planting or forest restoration, which helps reduce soil erosion and mitigate climate change. This can be seen from the mangrove planting projects supported by arisan communities in several coastal villages in Indonesia.

Economic Empowerment for Women

Arisan can also be a tool for economic empowerment:

1. Microenterprises
   Arisan can support women’s microenterprises, such as handicrafts, food processing, or small-scale farming. This way, women can have sustainable sources of income.
2. Financial Education
   Arisan can also be used as an opportunity to provide financial education to women, enabling them to manage funds wisely.

Fundraising for Environmental Projects

1. Joint Projects
   Arisan can raise funds for joint environmental projects, such as mangrove planting, critical land rehabilitation, or waste management.
2. Partnerships with Institutions
   Arisan can partner with environmental organizations or local governments to access larger funds and support broader projects. This can have a more significant impact on the village’s climate resilience.

By integrating arisan into climate resilience strategies, women in villages can not only better cope with climate change but also strengthen their economic and social positions. Arisan is not just about money, but also about togetherness, mutual cooperation, and a better future for the community.

Referensi:

1. Yayasan Resiliensi Lingkungan Indonesia (YRLI)
2. Kementerian Lingkungan Hidup dan Kehutanan Republik Indonesia
3. World Bank – Community-Based Climate Adaptation
4. FAO – Women in Agriculture
5. WWF Indonesia

Contributor:

Meiardhy Mujianto