Workforce productivity in the pottery craft industry of Banyumulek Village, West Lombok, is strongly influenced by wages rather than workers’ education, age, or experience. This finding was reported by Dwi Lestari, Himawan Sutanto, and Irwan Suriadi from the University of Mataram in a study published in 2026 in the International Journal of Business and Applied Economics. The research highlights the importance of economic incentives in strengthening productivity in traditional craft industries that support local livelihoods.
Banyumulek Village in Kediri District, West Lombok Regency, is widely known as a major center of traditional pottery production in Indonesia. The craft industry has become an essential economic pillar for the local community, providing employment opportunities and supporting the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Despite its economic role, the productivity of workers in traditional craft industries often depends on various socio-economic factors that require deeper analysis.
To better understand these factors, researchers from the University of Mataram examined how wages, education level, age, and work experience affect the productivity of pottery craftsmen in Banyumulek.
Research Method
The study used a quantitative survey approach involving pottery craftsmen in Banyumulek Village. Data were collected through questionnaires distributed to artisans and supported by official data from government institutions.
Key methodological points include:
- Population: 200 pottery craftsmen
- Sample: 67 respondents, determined using the Slovin formula
- Data sources: primary data from questionnaires and secondary data from government agencies
- Analytical method: multiple linear regression analysis to examine the influence of several factors on workforce productivity.
This method allowed researchers to evaluate how worker characteristics and economic conditions shape productivity levels in a traditional craft-based industry.
Key Findings
The analysis produced several important findings regarding labor productivity in the Banyumulek pottery sector:
-
Wages have a positive and significant effect on labor productivity.
Higher wages increase worker motivation and efficiency in producing pottery products. -
Education level does not significantly affect productivity.
The pottery industry relies more on practical skills gained through direct practice rather than formal education. -
Age does not significantly influence productivity.
Craftsmanship, precision, and technical ability are more decisive than physical age factors. -
Work experience also shows no statistically significant effect.
Many craftsmen share similar skill levels because the production process is traditional and knowledge is passed down informally.
Although not all variables show significant individual effects, the combination of economic and worker-related factors still contributes to explaining variations in productivity within the industry.
Implications for Industry and Policy
The study suggests that economic incentives—especially fair wages—play a crucial role in improving productivity in traditional craft industries. Better wages can motivate craftsmen to work more efficiently and maintain product quality.
The researchers from the University of Mataram also emphasize the importance of practice-based training programs rather than relying solely on formal education to improve workforce skills.
For policymakers, the findings offer several strategic directions:
- providing skill development and technical training programs for craftsmen
- supporting capital access and product marketing for pottery businesses
- strengthening local creative industry ecosystems so that traditional pottery products can compete in national and international markets.
Author Profile
- Dwi Lestari – Universitas Mataram.
- Himawan Sutanto – Universitas Mataram
- Irwan Suriadi – Universitas Mataram
Research Source
Lestari, D., Sutanto, H., & Suriadi, I. (2026). “Analysis of Factors Affecting Workforce Productivity Work Industry Craft Pottery in Village Banyumulek, Kediri District, West Lombok Regency.”
International Journal of Business and Applied Economics (IJBAE), Vol. 5 No. 2, 2026, pp. 687–700.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/ijbae.v5i2.10
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