Practices and Meanings of Guanxi in the Social Relations of Chinese Traders at Pucuk Market in Baturaja, Ogan Komering Ulu Regency

Abstract

This study aims to analyse the practice and meaning of guanxi in the lives of Chinese traders at Pucuk Market in Baturaja, Ogan Komering Ulu Regency. This research is important because guanxi is not only related to economic strategy, but also shapes patterns of social, cultural, and moral relations within the Chinese community. This study employs a qualitative approach with a field research design. Data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews with Chinese traders, and documentation, and were then analysed descriptively through data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The findings show that guanxi functions as social capital in economic activities through trust, honesty, reputation, and reciprocal relationships. In social and cultural interactions, guanxi is reflected in practices of mutual assistance, involvement in cultural activities, the distribution of social roles, and moral responsibility. Subjectively, traders interpret guanxi through the values of cengli, or honesty; cincai, or social flexibility; long-term trust; and commitment to maintaining relationships. The implications of this study indicate that guanxi plays an important role in strengthening social cohesion, business continuity, and the cultural identity of the Chinese community, while also needing to be practised within a framework of ethics and transparency. The originality of this study lies in its examination of guanxi in the local context of Chinese traders in a traditional Indonesian market, emphasising that guanxi is not merely an economic strategy, but a multidimensional relational system that integrates economic, social, cultural, moral, and emotional aspects.