Preferensi Pengrajin Batu Bata dalam Memilih Pembiayaan Bank Syariah dan Bank Konvensional: Analisis Faktor Ekonomi, Sosial, dan Religius

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the financing preferences of brick artisans in choosing between Islamic and conventional bank financing and to examine the roles of economic, social, and religious factors in shaping their financing decisions in Karangduren Hamlet, Sumberpakem Village, Jember Regency, Indonesia. This study employed a qualitative approach with an analytical case study design involving brick artisans who used Islamic bank financing, conventional bank financing, or alternative sources of funding, as well as those who did not use formal banking services. Data were analyzed thematically to identify patterns of financing preferences and the factors underlying the artisans’ decisions. The findings indicate that economic factors are the most dominant considerations in determining financing preferences, particularly the ease of obtaining financing, speed of fund disbursement, financing costs, payment flexibility, and accessibility to financial institutions. Social factors also shape financing decisions through the influence of family members, fellow artisans, bank officers, brick collectors, and the wider community in building trust and facilitating access to financing-related information. Meanwhile, religious factors serve as a normative foundation through an understanding of the prohibition of riba, perceptions of the clarity of Sharia-compliant contracts, and beliefs concerning the barakah (blessing) of business activities. The findings further lead to the development of a financing preference model, demonstrating that artisans’ financing decisions emerge from the interaction of economic rationality, social influence, and religious values. The findings imply that strengthening the competitiveness of Islamic financial institutions requires more than improving Islamic financial literacy. It should also involve enhancing service quality, simplifying financing requirements, accelerating financing processes, and expanding access for rural micro-enterprises. This study is limited to 15 informants within a single brick-making community; therefore, its findings are context-specific and should not be broadly generalized. Future research could further examine and validate the proposed financing preference model across different geographical settings and micro-enterprise sectors.