Volume: 4 Issues: 20 [June, 2019] pp.

77 - 85]
Journal of Islamic, Social, Economics and Development (JISED)
eISSN: 0128-1755
Journal website: www.jised.com

MUSLIM MEDICAL TRADERS IN

INDONESIA-MALAYSIA BORDER REGION:
PERSPECTIVE OF SHARIA BUSINESS ETHICS

Budi Iswanto1
1
Faculty Ekonomi dan Bisnis Islam, Sultan Muhammad Syafiuddin Sambas Institute of Islamic Religion (IAIS),
Indonesia, (E-mail: iswantob96@gmail.com

Accepted date: 12-03-2018

Published date: 20-06-2019

To cite this document: Iswanto, B. (2019). Muslim Medical Traders in Indonesia-Malaysia

Border Region: Perspective of Sharia Business Ethics. Journal of Islamic, Social, Economics
and Development (JISED), 4(20), 77 - 85.
__________________________________________________________________________________________

Abstract: This article discusses about Malay Muslim Merchants in Indonesia-Malaysia Border
Area, with border community research in Temajuk Village, Paloh Subdistrict, Sambas District,
West Kalimantan, the border area closest to Telok Melano Sarawak Kuching Malaysia. The
Malay Muslim traders on the border are transcultural and transnational, with very fluid
boundaries, in culture, ethnicity and religion. The study focused on Muslim traders as the arena
of transactions and economic relationships in the marketing mix in accordance with the shari'a
in line with itqon: doing at the best possible quality, performing a task of the highest quality
towards a falter trader. This research is addressed on the aspects of Malay Muslim Merchants
activities in Border Areas of Indonesia-Malaysia related (1) how Malay Muslim Traders
practices in Indonesia-Malaysia Frontier Area, (2) How Malay Muslim Traders Strategy in
Indonesia Border Area -Malaysia, (3) opportunities and constraints of Malay Muslim Traders
in the Indonesian-Malay Frontier Region.

Keywords: Traders, Muslims, Borders, Temajuk

___________________________________________________________________________

Introduction
The border area is now an important issue for the Homeland after several border dispute with
Malaysia, prompting the government to build a border area become the "home" country. On
the other hand, social change in many countries in recent decades is believed to be the
implications of the relationship between the state and the market. Relationships in a society too
much guided by motives of mutual economic needs. Ability to meet the needs of the various
forms of relationships bring community groups, which often crosses national borders. Border
is often seen as a zone of instability, uncertainty, marginality, and full of danger and
criminality. In the book"Borderlands:Ethnographic Approaches to Security, Power, and
Identity"Hasting and Wilson (2011) argues, the study of border attracted the attention of the
ethnographer, as the lens is unique that will be used to look at the intersection of national power,
transcultural and transnational form of security and insecurity in the era of globalization today.
(Hastings Donan and Thomas M. Wilson, eds, 1999).

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However, in line with the remoteness of the central government of Indonesia, as well as
differences in economic growth between Indonesia and Malaysia over the period make Muslim
Malay community Temajuk Village District of Paloh Sambas district more economically
oriented toward Malaysia. The second position in the border closer meaning that the interests
of the Malay masyatakat telok Melano Temajuk Indonesia and Malaysia, where they find jobs,
daily necessities, health care and educational facilities at the same time business partners. Such
conditions increase the current crossing borders both countries. Hopes and dreams of people in
both countries are interdependent been since the days of empire that cannot be separated from
religion and ethnic culture as well as economic transactions at the border. Temajuk Village
District of Paloh towards the border to have a better life, across the country are found in
Malaysia. And vice versa community Malaysia Telok Melano, All goods and services are
offered in various facilities in both countries. Access to the two countries for the people of the
Malay Islamic borders more easily than to the capital of both countries. Shopping centers and
the development of processing industry of the earth gives hope for the opportunities to be able
to achieve a better life. Once the illegal timber increasingly lonely people crossing the border
around the border area, now a lot of work depend on the nature of farming and fishing. Their
lives have been shaped by the environment they live in border and a unique environment, with
a culture and local wisdom alike.

Temajuk as rural areas are located in the tail Borneo, directly adjacent to the Village District
Melano Kuching in Sarawak, Malaysia. Administratively this Paloh has a vast territory with a
population, "split" into two. Most residents become citizens of Indonesia and some others
entered Malaysians. Stakes borders of Indonesia and Malaysia in Paloh including some
benchmarks that exist along the West Kalimantan (Indonesia) and Sarawak (Malaysia), whose
improvised since time immemorial, so it can not be observed clearly. The similarity of cultures
and ethnicities in the region of Sarawak Temajuk Indonesia and Malaysia, which is dominated
by ethnic Malay culture and supports the process of socio-economic interaction between the
two communities on the border of two countries. Cross-border regulations between the two
countries did not discourage activities that take place between these groups. The similarity of
culture and ethnicity is often a source of benefit to facilitate the process of socio-economic
interaction between them (Endang Rudiatin, 2012).

In a country whose ethnic boundaries and culture intersect will eliminate the ideas of ethnic
construction that separates them an interest in survival. Ethnic boundaries often have the
character to change, can be narrowed or expanded in relation to the specific needs of economic
mobilization (Cohen, Ronald, 1974). In the economy, the difference of identity and inter-ethnic
habits cause economic measures to meet the shortage of ethnic respectively. Ethnic and
religious meetings that causes the complementary relationship between the two tends to
eliminate ideas of ethnic and religious constructions that separates between "me" and "them".
In Indonesia and Malaysia communities in Region Temajuk, when conducting economic
activities, there is no difference in the two nations with borders and rules.

The products being traded Muslim traders in the village of the District Temajuk Paloh Sambas
district are: (Profile Village Temajuk Year 2017).

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 Table. 1 products traded until now

Products-Products in Traffic your

Fishery Plantation Grocery Apparel Building Forestry Electronic Tourism
Materials
Fish Pepper Rice Dress Cement Wood Parabola Beach
Lobster Rubber Indomi Pants Tehel Waterfall
Jellyfish Fruits Detergent Jean
at sources: Village Office Temajuk district. Paloh Year 2017

View products traded at the border provide favorable opportunities for the residents of the
village of Temajuk District of Paloh Sambas district because almost all the crops they sell at
the border by producing Ringit Malaysia with the exchange rate is high enough, let alone see
tipelogi and geographical Temajuk Village which located in the tail of Borneo has a variety of
potential particularly trade between countries is expected to become the center of international
trade because it is relatively close to the state of Malaysia, Singapore and Batam Natuna
Islands, this opportunity makes pemeritah to immediately open ZIP Trans boundary second
state after the District Aruk Sajingan.

Traders Malay Muslims in the Border Area between Indonesia and Malaysia in the trade by
sharia are already familiar in practice on the basis of mutual trust, familiarity, they do not leave
the business concept Muhammad Marketing sharia very concerned, Sidiq, trustworthy,
fathanah, sermons, because the Muslim traders in borders for those who do not do the concept
they will be stigmatized and marginalized by it is self-contained of community market traders
Malay Muslims because it would tarnish the name of the merchant in the village Temajuk and
carries the name of the State and bring the tribe wither due to fraud undertaken (Buchari Alma
and Doni June Priansah, 2014).

This study focused on aspects of Malay Muslim traders in Indonesia-Malaysia Border Region
Related (1) how to practice the Malay Muslim traders in Indonesia-Malaysia Border Region,
(2) What strategy Malay Muslim traders in Indonesia-Malaysia Border Region, (3) What
opportunities and constraints of the Malay Muslim traders in Indonesia-Malaysia Border
Region.

Research methods
Desireto generate data that is descriptive, systematic description, factual and accurate
information on the facts, nature and the relationship between the phenomena observed and
analyzed by qualitative approach. Research guided by qualitative paradigm is defined as a
process of research to understand the problems of human or social by creating an overall picture
and the complex is presented with words, reported the views detail obtained from the sources
of information, as well as performed in the background(setting)is natural. In express and
understand something behind the phenomenon that bit was not yet known it can be used a
qualitative method because this method can also be used to gain insight into something new
little known. Similarly, qualitative methods can provide details of a complex of phenomena
that are difficult expressed by qualitative methods (Anselm Strauss and Juliet Corbin, 2007).

This study aims to provide a written explanation of the structure, order and extensive pattern
contained in a group of participants. In this study, the researchers is a key instrument.
Therefore, the researchers made efforts to analyze and construct the object under study in order

79
to be moreclear. In connection with the ethical context, this research is more emphasis on the
meaning and value attached. Besides, the researcher is directed to reveal the problem is not
clear, to find the hidden meaning, to understand interactional, to develop a theory, to ensure
the correctness of data and researching the history of development. This research was
conducted in the village of the District Temajuk Paloh Sambas Regency Indonesia-Malaysia
border.

Selling Principles Prophet

Prophet Muhammad, has said that the majority of human sustenance derived from trading
activity. It is accepted in those sayings him in the hadith narrated by Ibrahim Al-Harabi, "al-
Asyari ist'ah ar-rizqi tijjarah interest" means trade you, for more than ten sections of
livelihood, nine of which resulted from trade. In economics, trade is conventionally defined as
a process of mutual exchange that is based on the voluntary will of each party. Those who
engage in trading activity can determine the advantages and disadvantages of activities freely
exchange it.

Instead, the basic principles of trade according to Islam is the element of freedom in conducting
exchange transactions, but these activities still accompanied by expectations allowed the
pleasure of Allah SWT. And prohibits coercion. Therefore, in order to obtain a harmony in the
trading system, we need a "trade immoral". Prophet clearly members of many examples of this
immoral trade system, which is free and fair trade and not to harm both parties. Word of the
Prophet Muhammad are narrated by Abu Sa'id asserted: "merchant honest and trustworthy will
be included in the group of prophets, among those honest and groups of martyrs." (Sunan
Tirmidhi, 1130).
The hadith indicates that in any trade transaction instructed to prioritize honesty and uphold
the trust given to others. Besides, in every trade transactions are required to be polite and
behave as mentioned in the hadith narrated by Bukhari, "Allah's mercy on those who are kind
enough when he is selling and buying as well as when making a decision". Based on the hadith,
it seems clear to me that Muhammad had been taught to act honestly and fairly and behave in
every trade.

Prophet professionalism in business tightly attached to character that is in him. Character

include properties that is honest noble Prophet (shidiq), passing
(sermons),trustworthy(trust)and wise (fathanah). In a business context, these properties
became the foundation of any business activity, he later became the basis of humane attitude
(Fundamental Human ethics) that supports success. Here is a diagram that portray the scope of
basic character prophet who later became Islamic business principles:

Fatha>na
Amanah
h
Shiddiq Tabli>gh
Praktir
Bisnis
Syaria
h

80
 Based on the diagram above can be described as follows:
1. Siddiq
Siddiq means "honest" or "right". In conducting its business, the Prophet Muhammad always
show honesty. He believes well that deceive customers alike with their betrayed. They will
be disappointed even fooled. As a result, they will not transact business again. As a result,
the business would gradually disintegrate.
In modern marketing management, character Siddiq creation services specify the
information correctly. In fact, the character Siddiq is the foundation that must accompany
the business activity. With life, Shiddiq the right to the benefit of customers will be met.
Honesty Prophet as a businessman can be described as follows:
a. No reneged on promises that have been agreed.
b. Do not hide the paint or something transacted.
c. Not fool the market price.
2. Amanah
Amanah means "can be believed". In this context, the mandate is not to reduce or add
something than it should be or that have been agreed. It can happen between sellers and
buyers, tenants and the rent. And between pawner and pawned. Each man was given amanah
should really keep and hold the trust.

3. Fathanah
fathanah means "proficient" or "intelligent". Smart businessman who is able to understand
the roles and responsibilities of the business very well. He was able to demonstrate creativity
and innovation in order to support and accelerate success. As it was, an intelligent
businessman is able to give a touch of the value of effective and efficient in conducting
marketing activities.
In muamalah transaction, which is imbued with the principles the nature reflected in
fathanah:
a. Administer the transaction documents.
b. Keeping propesionalisme and quality of service.
c. Creative and innovative.
d. Mengantisifasi changes in the market, both connect with products, technology, price,
and competition.
4. Tabligh
In language, sermons could be interpreted as "pass". In a business context, understanding
the sermons could include communication and argumentation. Sellers should be able to
communicate their products with the right strategy. By the nature of sermons, a businessman
is expected to deliver the forte-forte product with dancing and targeted without leaving
honesty and truth (Transparency and fairness).With it, customers can easily understand the
message that is conveyed businesses. According to Islamic principles, marketing activities
must be based on the spirit of worship of God the Creator, as hard as possible for the
common welfare, not for the sake of its own interests let alone group. Islam is a religion that
is extraordinary. Islam is a complete, which means taking care of all the things in human
life. Islam is a religion that is able to balance the world and the hereafter between hablum

81
 minallah (relationship with God) and hablum minannas (human relations). The teachings of
Islam because Islam is the last complete and should be able to solve the major problems of
man.

Islam justifies his people trade. Even the Prophet sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam a merchant -
highly regarded in his day. From a young age he was known as an honest trader. "Throughout
history, Muslims constitute a symbol of trust and trade, they walk on adab Islamiah," said
Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Fathi al-Sayyid tone in the Encyclopaedia Adab Islam According to al-
Quran and al-Sunnah (Yusuf Qaradawi, 1995). Prophet sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam has
taught his people to trade with Islamic ethics. In economic activity, Muslims are prohibited
vanity. However, it must undertake economic activities the pleasure of each other, as the word
of Allah.

29‫يأيها ٱلذين ءامنوا ال تأكلوا أمولكم بينكم بٱلبطل‬

Translation:
"O ye who believe, do not eat each treasure sesamu with the falsehood, except by way
of commerce that apply to consensual among you. And do not kill yourselves; surely
Allah is Merciful to you. "(Qur'an, al-Nisa: 29).

Trade is important in Islam. So important, until Allah appointed Muhammad as a very

successful trader before he was appointed as the Prophet. It shows Allah teaches honesty made
by Muhammad bin Abdullah when he was a trader that trade does not lose money, even made
him a successful entrepreneur. Therefore, Muslims (especially traders) should imitate him
when he was trade. The Quran also organize activities or muamalah life. Also ethical trade,
sale or marketing, as marketing is very important ethics of machinery because: first, companies
must be able to guarantee its products. Assurance encompasses two aspects-material, the
material quality, processing quality, and the quality of the presentation; non-material aspects
of the halal and Islamic include in the presentation. Secondly, described God is the product
benefits. Helpful products if the production process is right and good. There is also a method
that can be used for the production process right and good, according to the Koran, according
to the instructions in the QS. al-An'am: 143, which reads:

143‫ثمنية أزوج من ٱلضأن ٱثنين ومن ٱلمعز ٱثنين‬

Translation:
"Tell me (based on knowledge) if you are indeed people right.

This verse teaches us, to convince someone to goodness should be based on science, data and
facts. Thus, in explaining the benefits of the product, it appears that the role of data and facts
are very important. Even the facts and data are often far more influential than an explanation.

Third, a description of the target or customers of products owned by the company. The food
was lawful and well being of human flesh and blood would make us to be obedient to God. For
human consumption that could conduct to piety must meet three requirements: (1) Mater
kosher, (b) processing of the net (thaharah), and (3) Presentation of the Islami (Afzalur
Rahman, 1995).

82
Muslim traders in Business Ethics Sharia
Islamicis justified trade, commerce and or purchase. But of course for the people who run the
Islamic world of commerce, are required to use a special procedure, there are rules that govern
how a Muslim should strive in the field of trade in order to get the blessings and pleasure of
Allah in this world and hereafter. Islamic trade rules, explain the various ethics that must be
carried out by Muslim traders in carrying out the sale and purchase. And is expected to use and
adhere to the ethics of the Islamic trade, a trade and a Muslim will be developed and expanded
rapidly due to always get a blessing of Allah in this world and in the hereafter. Islam guarantees
trade ethics, both traders and buyers, each of which will be of mutual benefit.

Essentially in a trade according to Islam's unfamiliarity market and commerce grounding in

Islam is the market. The most basic rule to enforce that right and wrong in commerce is in fiqh
that originates in the Quran and al-Sunnah for example science and charity begins salallahu
alaihi respectfully time of the Prophet and the early generations of the best three. Market is a
place where buying and selling goods and services. The market is a common place for the
audience. The market does not have, but everyone who comes right to use the stall, and the
buying and selling until evening. Freedom of the market is a key point in discussing Islamic
commerce. Unfortunately statement pasar` `freedom had been violated by economists-usury.
The most important difference Islam free market and capitalistic market is like a flower, money
markets, bonds, interest-bearing loans, the stock exchange is considered as part of the freedom
of the market for us Muslims usury is a violation and injustice forbidden by Allah and his
messenger.

Mohammed in making a living that he worked hard kosher dagangnnya the profession, and this
in the respective fields not only to meet the cost of living but also to wrestle him to build his
reputation for rich people to come and invest him. And he noticed how to provide the best
services in the trade, he has proved himself as the best businessman in serving customers whole
heartedly (Itqan) on its business partners.

Map of Temajuk Village Sambas District West Kalimantan Border Indonesia-Malaysia

83
The Indonesia-Malaysia
Border region is entering a new paradigm for regional development. As the region arising from
the globalization and decentralization policy, security paradigm shift towards prosperity.
Different characteristics from the other regions (immobility of factors of production,
transaction costs and delay, a different economic system, institutional issues, the establishment
of zoning and the role of the informal sector) to encourage the economic function of the region
in the internal and external side. Economic perspective in the border region tends to increase
as the paradigm change. With the above background, Indonesia Desa Temajuk Sambas district
is the border region with the highest economic activity with the dynamics of economic activity
as indicated by the increasing flow of movement of people or goods.

A review of the theoretically exemplifies the opportunities for improvement of economic

growth, from the economic opportunities, but to date both in the border area has not shown any
progress in the context of the development of an interstate border region from an economic
perspective that supports the functions of the two countries as a center of growth. This study
aims to formulate strategies Malay Muslim traders in Indonesia-Malaysia Border Region in
terms of economic development are Muslim. The findings of this study are expected to be more
specific directives to the development of the economic potential of Sambas district on the
border in the formulation of a strategy to support government policy. Implications of
development of border areas as well in terms of the approach to the elements of best practice
and theoretical study in the context of further development of the border region becomes the
input for the formulation of strategy for both countries. The border development strategy
among others is encouraging a conducive regulatory and operational areas of economic
development of the border region.

Position Countryside Temajuk located in the North region of the District Paloh Sambas district
is geographically very strategic because in addition to directly adjacent to the territory of the
State of Malaysia, is also relatively close to the State of Singapore, Natuna Islands and Batam,
a phenomenon that occurs: although located in a strategic position as the region directly
adjacent to the Gulf region Melano and Sarawak and Malaysia, but the development of the
region Temajuk very slow compared to the neighboring regions, and this is in addition to the
limitations and gaps of various infrastructure, especially the infrastructure of road network
which resulted in difficulty in mobilization and activities of the movement of goods, equipment
and services and incite settlements spread out and isolated. These conditions led to social
inequality, economic, environmental and security in the border region.

Conclusion
The uncontrolled Cross this was not a problem in terms of subsistence-based economies. But
now the border area in Temajuk Paloh Indonesia Malaysia Telok Melano is increasingly
integrated with the world market. Favorable geographical position, as well as the transnational
trade gateway land and sea transportation conditions that support, to be an asset for both
countries. Border trade is now faced with a variety of rules not only from Indonesia but also
from Malaysia. Cross-border trade becomes freely as it used to, give reasons for the emergence
of markets at the border. The phenomenon is visible, a Muslim merchant community who
contribute to each other and work together for an economic survival and they have created a
model of the marketing mix. I call on the Border Traders Muslim Malays. Ethnic identity and
this new religion used as a source of benefit for certain purposes and future security. Shared
interests in meeting the needs for survival, encouraging them to build a network economy,
making the market for Muslim merchants with their own culture, which leads to the formation

84
of economic integration in the border between the two countries. In order to improve and
maintain customer continuously Muslim traders in the border very Scara indirectly have to
implementing the theory marketig mix and marketing of sharia, one of the traders has pay
attention to the product, they trade in products that are kosher with the system of supply and
sales as they liked because underlying local wisdom in the form of environmental conditions
and the majority Muslim community.

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