The Potential and Challenges of Local-Potential-Based Community Development among Parking Workers at East Purwokerto Traditional Market
Keywords:
community development, parking workers, local potential, traditional market, locality developmentAbstract
Parking workers are part of the informal sector that supports the daily operation of traditional markets, yet they are often treated merely as objects of regulation rather than as a local community with development potential. This study aims to analyze the local potential and challenges of community development among parking workers in Pasar Wage, East Purwokerto, using a locality development approach. The research employed a qualitative case study design. Data were collected through field observation, in-depth interviews with five parking workers who had worked in the market for more than three years, and a review of relevant documents and literature. Data were analyzed thematically by linking field findings with concepts of community development, locality development, and social capital. The findings show that parking workers possess significant local potential in the form of deep knowledge of market rhythms, long work experience, practical situational judgment, and strong social networks with traders and market visitors. These assets allow them to contribute not only to vehicle arrangement but also to market order, comfort, and security. However, such potential has not been optimally developed due to limited policy recognition, the lack of empowerment programs, weak access to social protection, and the absence of sustained institutional mentoring. This study concludes that parking workers should be recognized as part of the market community with valuable local assets and social knowledge. Community development based on local potential can therefore become a strategy to improve their welfare while strengthening a more participatory, inclusive, and sustainable governance of traditional markets.
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