TEAMWORK IN THE PRODUCTION OF ORGANIC COCONUT SUGAR
Both females and males play equal roles in the coconut sugar production. Achieving good quality coconut sugar is only through the good teamwork between husband (male farmer) and wife (female farmer).
Usually, the husband has the responsibility to tap the coconut nectar/sap (menderes). Meanwhile, the wife will cook the coconut nectar into coconut sugar (mengindel).
TEAMWORK THAT CREATES QUALITY
Producing organic coconut sugar involves a lot of work.
The husband is responsible for preparing firewood and cleaning the nectar tapping tools, such as a sickle and bucket, among others. Meanwhile, the wife prepares the fireplace, maintains kitchen cleanliness, and packages the finished processed coconut sugar.
These processes of producing organic coconut sugar are alternated between the husband and wife.
The process began early in the morning when the husband started tapping the coconut nectar until the wife prepared the equipment to process the coconut sugar. This process required close communication and good teamwork between the husband and his wife.
Coconut nectar is a substance highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations, weather, and external contamination by aromas and bacteria from the outside. Consequently, producing coconut sugar necessitates precision, teamwork, and communication between the husband and wife, both during sugar processing and in maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen and coconut sugar processing tools.
Therefore, making coconut sugar demands precision, teamwork, and communication between the man (husband) and the woman (wife)
A STORY from KUSMEDI AND KARSINEM
Furthermore, we can learn about teamwork from Kusmedi and Karsinem, our registered farmers in Banyumas Regency. As a husband and wife, they have always been a well-coordinated team during the production of organic coconut sugar.
Kusmedi emphasized the importance of discipline in producing high-quality coconut sugar, stating that discipline should be maintained throughout all production processes, including collecting coconut nectar.
For instance, farmers must adhere to the correct timing for tapping the coconut trees. Karsinem added that maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen and sugar processing tools is equally essential. They must be cleaned daily and stored in suitable places.
As a result, the sugar processing tools should be appropriately placed. Moreover, they assist each other in cooking the coconut sugar. While Kusmedi taps the coconut tree, Karsinem prepares the hearth in advance. Therefore, when the coconut nectar is ready, the fireplace is prepared for processing.
Additionally, they collaborate in processing the coconut sugar. Kusmedi is responsible for crushing the semi-finished coconut sugar paste, while his wife sifts the coconut sugar until it becomes smooth, thereby expediting the process.
They help each other to make the coconut sugar
GENDER ANALYSIS
The previous explanation demonstrates that both males and females play an equal role in producing coconut sugar, with neither gender holding a more critical role. If any individual neglects their responsibilities, the quality of the coconut sugar may be compromised.
However, teamwork in the production process extends beyond the collaboration of male and female farmers. It also encompasses accuracy, precision, communication, and collaboration between them.
All farmers are capable of performing the same tasks regardless of gender. However, certain tasks may be more suited to one gender over the other.
Ultimately, achieving high-quality coconut sugar requires a harmonious partnership between the husband (Penderes/Tapper) and wife (Pengindel/Coconut Nectar processor) throughout all stages of the production process.
Effective cooperation and harmonious collaboration between the couple are essential due to the lengthy nature of the production process.