A 2026 study by Rawi Allan Iriandi from IAIN Parepare
reveals that grocery (sembako) traders in Nabire practice a culture of healthy
business competition grounded in Islamic business ethics. The findings are
significant as they demonstrate how ethical values can sustain market stability
while strengthening social harmony in a competitive economic environment.
The grocery trade sector plays a vital role in supporting
local economies but is often vulnerable to unethical practices such as price
wars, hoarding, and fraud. In many regions, market pressure pushes traders to
prioritize profit maximization. However, a different pattern emerges in Nabire,
Central Papua, where strong social ties among traders shape a more controlled
and ethical form of competition.
The study employs a qualitative field research approach
using direct observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation in Nabire’s
main markets. The researcher actively engaged with traders to understand their
interactions, business strategies, and the application of Islamic values in
daily transactions.
The findings indicate that business competition in Nabire is
generally healthy and collaborative:
- Traders avoid destructive price wars
- No evidence of hoarding practices (ihtikar)
- No fraud in measurement or product quality (tadlis)
- Competition focuses on service quality, product variety, and customer relationships
Findings on pages 7–8 further show that traders often
support each other, such as sharing stock when supplies run low. This reflects
the value of ta’awun (mutual assistance), which is rarely seen in
conventional competitive business models.
From the perspective of Islamic business ethics, these
practices align with key principles such as honesty (siddiq), justice (‘adl),
and transparency. Traders openly disclose product conditions and set fair
prices without exploiting consumers’ lack of information. The study also
highlights that business success is not measured solely by financial gain but
also by achieving barakah (blessings) and maintaining social harmony.
Rawi Allan Iriandi from IAIN Parepare emphasizes that
religious values play a central role in shaping this ethical business culture.
He explains that traders in Nabire do not view competitors as threats but as
partners in sustaining market balance and economic continuity.
The impact of this practice is substantial. Price stability
is maintained, goods distribution remains smooth, and income is more evenly
distributed among traders. This ethical competition model also strengthens
local economic resilience and prevents market domination by a small number of
large players.
In the long term, the study shows that integrating ethical
values with modern business practices can create a more just and sustainable
economic system. This approach offers a practical model for other regions
seeking to build inclusive and ethical market ecosystems.
Author Profile
Rawi Allan Iriandi - IAIN Parepare
Source
Iriandi, R. A. (2026). Culture of Healthy Business Competition from the
Perspective of Islamic Business Ethics in the Grocery Trading Community in
Nabire. Contemporary Journal of Applied Sciences (CJAS), Vol. 4 No. 3,
289–298.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/cjas.v4i3.148
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