Economic situation of value chain actors in urban slums of Bandung: A case of Kiaracondong

Abstract

This research project aims to develop a mechanism of sanitation value chain for people living in urban slums of Bandung City, Indonesia. These are generally low-income areas with poor hygienic environment. In order to grasp their actual living conditions, field surveys were conducted in August, September and November 2016. With regard to the findings of the surveys, household income and educational levels of people living in the urban slum are obviously low compared to the national average levels, especially in income. Among them, however, even women with lower academic backgrounds can support their families and maintain a certain level of living. In terms of the priority of spending money, it is placed on family healthcare and education for their children. As for borrowing and lending money, these activities are not common for the residents on a daily basis. On the other hand, when it comes to savings, they use not only banks but also local financial services managed by communities such as schools and cooperative societies. The results suggest that sanitation value chain involving economic activities should incorporate with family healthcare, child education and saving service in their local community.