Strategies to Strengthen the Business Resilience of Seashell Craft MSMEs in Serangan Village, Bali

Abstract

The shell handicraft industry in Serangan Village, Bali, originated from the efforts of a former bank employee who lost his job following the Bali Bombing and subsequently utilized shell waste generated from seaweed cultivation to create products with economic value. For nearly two decades, this business has endured various challenges, including fluctuations in the supply of raw materials, dependence on the skills of artisans, and the limited interest of younger generations in continuing the artisan profession. This study aims to identify the business resilience strengthening strategies implemented by the shell handicraft MSME in maintaining its business sustainability. The study employed a descriptive qualitative approach using a single case study. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with the business owner and analyzed thematically. The findings indicate that the business resilience of this MSME is supported by four main strategies: product and market diversification, a community empowerment-based production system with a profit-sharing wage scheme, active participation in interregional training and exhibition networks, and the adaptation of product designs to the local cultural wisdom of each region. Efforts to regenerate artisans through intergenerational training also serve as a key factor in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the business. These findings provide practical insights for similar MSME in designing strategies to survive amid limitations in human resources and raw material availability.