<![CDATA[Latar belakang: Permasalahan pengelolaan sampah di pasar tradisional merupakan isu lingkungan yang kompleks dan menjadi tantangan bagi pembangunan berkelanjutan di wilayah perkotaan. Pasar sebagai ruang ekonomi rakyat menghasilkan volume sampah tinggi, namun pengelolaannya seringkali belum optimal. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis dinamika kemandirian komunitas pedagang pasar dalam praktik pengelolaan sampah berbasis partisipasi lokal di Kota Palopo, Sulawesi Selatan, dengan fokus pada makna, strategi, faktor pendukung, dan hambatan dalam mewujudkan sistem pengelolaan sampah yang mandiri dan berkelanjutan.Metode: Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan desain studi kasus eksploratif yang dilaksanakan di Pasar Sentral, Pasar Andi Tadda, dan Pasar PNP. Informan terdiri atas pedagang, petugas kebersihan, pengelola pasar, dan pihak dari Dinas Lingkungan Hidup. Data dikumpulkan melalui wawancara mendalam, observasi partisipatif, serta dokumentasi, kemudian dianalisis menggunakan analisis tematik dengan validitas data diuji melalui triangulasi sumber dan member checking.Hasil: Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kemandirian komunitas pedagang pasar terbentuk melalui praktik sosial sederhana namun efektif, berakar pada kesadaran individu, solidaritas sosial, dan koordinasi informal berbasis nilai-nilai budaya lokal. Partisipasi terlihat melalui tanggung jawab kolektif dalam menjaga kebersihan serta iuran swadaya untuk mendukung kegiatan kebersihan. Namun, tantangan masih muncul dalam hal rendahnya motivasi inovasi dan belum optimalnya pengelolaan daur ulang.Simpulan: Disimpulkan bahwa kemandirian komunitas pasar di Kota Palopo merupakan hasil interaksi nilai sosial, budaya, dan kelembagaan lokal yang melahirkan sistem pengelolaan sampah yang adaptif, partisipatif, dan berkelanjutan. Diperlukan dukungan kebijakan pemberdayaan komunitas pasar, pelatihan pengelolaan sampah, dan pembentukan bank sampah pasar sebagai strategi penguatan kemandirian lingkungan. ABSTRACT Title: Community Self-Reliance among Market Traders in Sustainable Waste Management: A Qualitative Study of Social, Cultural, and Environmental Health Dynamics in Palopo CityBackground: Waste management in traditional markets remains a complex environmental issue and a challenge for sustainable urban development. As vital centers of community-based economic activity, traditional markets generate a large volume of waste that is often not managed effectively. This study aims to analyze the dynamics of community self-reliance among market traders in waste management practices based on local participation in Palopo City, South Sulawesi. The research focuses on exploring the meaning, strategies, supporting factors, and obstacles in realizing an independent and sustainable waste management system.Method: This study employed a qualitative approach with an exploratory case study design, conducted in three traditional markets: Sentral Market, Andi Tadda Market, and PNP Market. Informants included traders, cleaning staff, market managers, and representatives from the Environmental Agency. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observations, and documentation, and were analyzed using thematic analysis. Data validity was ensured through source triangulation and member checking.Result: The findings reveal that community self-reliance in market waste management emerges through simple yet effective social practices, rooted in individual awareness, social solidarity, and informal coordination grounded in local cultural values. Participation is reflected in collective responsibility for cleanliness and voluntary financial contributions to support waste collection activities. However, challenges remain in the form of low innovation motivation and limited waste recycling initiatives.Conclusion: In conclusion, the self-reliance of market communities in Palopo City results from the interaction of social, cultural, and institutional values that shape an adaptive, participatory, and sustainable waste management system. Strengthening community empowerment policies, providing training, and establishing market-based waste banks are recommended to enhance environmental independence.]]>
