Navigating Tradition and Innovation: Complex Dynamics in Indigenous Wild Honey Enterprise Development in Sumbawa

This chapter investigates the complex dynamics between traditional practices and modern business requirements in indigenous wild honey enterprises in Lunyuk Ode and Lunyuk Rea, Sumbawa. Through interviews with 30 participants, field observations, and focus group discussions, during the INVESTMENT project (2021–2022), the study explores how traditional collectors navigate tensions between established practices and emerging market demands. The research reveals three distinct adaptation profiles: Traditional Maintainers who preserve cultural heritage while prioritizing operational efficiency and immediate returns; Selective Adapters who pragmatically balance traditional and modern approaches; and Progressive Innovators who embrace digital marketing and sustainable practices despite additional time and process requirements. The findings show that Traditional Maintainers, representing the majority, choose traditional methods for their speed and efficiency in meeting urgent cash needs, while Progressive Innovators view modern techniques as profitable long-term investments. Adaptation patterns are shaped by educational attainment, digital literacy levels, external network exposure, and community norms. The study contributes to indigenous entrepreneurship theory by demonstrating how hybrid approaches emerge at individual and household levels within traditional communities. It also discusses sustainability pathways beyond project completion and highlights significant gender dimensions in enterprise development. These insights reveal how cultural values and connectivity shape the adaptation of traditional practices in Indonesia’s evolving digital economy, offering practical implications for development practitioners working with indigenous communities.