STRATEGI PEREMPUAN KEPALA KELUARGA DALAM MENGELOLA USAHA ULTRA MIKRO AGAR BERTAHAN DI TENGAH KRISIS

Abstract

Female heads of households who operate ultra-micro businesses are vulnerable to economic crises due to limited capital, market access, and resources, while also carrying the responsibility as the primary family breadwinner. This study aims to describe the conditions of ultra-micro businesses, analyze adaptive strategies for business survival, identify challenges, and examine the role of social and institutional support in strengthening business sustainability. A qualitative case study approach was employed involving five female heads of households who are members of the Kelompok Keluarga Sakinah (KKS) BOCAHPINTAR  in Karanganyar Regency. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation, and analyzed using the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña within the Sustainable Livelihood Framework (SLF) perspective. The findings reveal that adaptive strategies include cost efficiency, business diversification, simple innovation, financial management, limited digital utilization, and social networking. Social capital emerged as the most significant asset supporting business continuity. KKS BOCAHPINTAR functions as a transforming structure and process by improving access to resources, strengthening member capacity, and supporting business resilience. The study highlights that business resilience is shaped not only by individual capabilities but also by community-based institutional support