THE QUALITY PARADOX: MAINTAINING AUTHENTICITY AND ENHANCING THE COMPETITIVENESS OF DAYAK-SPECIFIC MSME PRODUCTS IN TRADITIONAL MARKETS

Abstract

Dayak typical MSME products are pillars of cultural heritage as well as drivers of the local economy in traditional markets. Despite their strong ethnic uniqueness, these products are often constrained by quality issues that hinder their competitiveness. The main dilemma lies in how to improve quality standards, such as consistency, durability, hygiene, and packaging, to be competitive, while ensuring that this improvement does not sacrifice the authenticity and local wisdom as the main essence of the product. This research employs a descriptive qualitative approach through participatory observation and indepth interviews with producers and consumers in several major traditional markets in Kalimantan. Findings indicate a shift in consumer expectations. While authenticity and cultural value remain the main appeal, these factors are no longer sufficient to guarantee purchase. Consumers in traditional markets are now increasingly critical of functional quality, such as weaving durability and raw material safety. They also value the aesthetic quality of packaging that is informative and appealing. This study identifies that surviving MSMEs successfully adopt simple quality management practices. These practices include raw material sorting, process standardization, and better packaging without overcomplicating or eliminating their Dayak identity. The research concludes that quality improvement is not a threat to authenticity. Instead, it is a crucial strategy to frame cultural heritage so that it has a higher economic value and remains relevant to the demands of a dynamic market.