Indifference to Islamic Banking: The Case of Alabio Traders of Murung Market in Indonesia

Abstract

This study highlights the behavior of Alabio people in doing business in the Ujung Murung market area. Good behavior in trading activities is the main capital in achieving business success. The study was conducted with a qualitative approach, with the snowball technique. The informants in this study were traditional traders in the Ujung Murung Market in Banjarmasin city. Data was obtained by interview, observation and documentation. The results of the study showed that honesty and compliance with sharia law were exercised by Alabio people in running their businesses. Fun and humorous behavior is also a personal attraction as a skill in communication. Their capital is generally obtained from family and business partners. Many avoid bank loans, they focus on methods based on the principle of "time is money", and "saving". Even though the traders know that by utilizing credit and bank facilities in business transactions will accelerate business development, they still think banks have something to do with Riba (usury). They are still reluctant to borrow money from banks even though they are Islamic banks. They have not analyzed the existence of business risks. They know that transactions in cash have risks because they are dangerous for customers. Another business risk is that customers will move to other stores where transactions are made through banks. They believe that if you do business according to sharia, you will get a blessing, and if you approach Riba, one day you will get a disaster and mudharat. Businesses that are based on obedience to Islam, sharia, honesty, humor, tenacity, and thrift get blessings. This research suggests that the business behavior of Alabio traders can be passed on to their successors. Difficulties in capital aside from family, can ask for help from Islamic banks. Alabio traders need to be given an understanding of the existence of Islamic banks that are already Islamic-based. Credit obtained through Islamic banks is a solution to avoid Riba in doing business. Additional capital from banks and using their facilities will reduce business risk.