Amid the rapid tide of modernization, some ancestral traditions continue to endure. One of them is Paco’an, a communal savings tradition still practiced by the people of Sagu Village, Sambas Regency, passed down from generation to generation as a symbol of mutual support and collective responsibility.
Paco’an is typically held one week before a wedding ceremony. Interestingly, participation is open to everyone—including children as young as elementary school students.
Originally, Paco’an served as a savings system that could only be accessed when someone was about to get married. Over time, however, this rule evolved: now, participants may withdraw their savings whenever needed for other important occasions.
Unlike conventional banking systems, Paco’an savings are not always monetary. Deposits may take the form of cash or food items. In Sagu Village, for example, each participant contributes the equivalent of 2 kilograms of sugar, calculated according to the current market price.
This system blends practicality with cultural meaning—anchored in trust, equality, and shared obligation.
A Social Meaning Beyond Saving
For the people of Sagu Village, Paco’an carries deep social significance. It fosters solidarity, cooperation, and collective resilience among community members. Through this system, each person holds a collective savings resource that can be relied upon in times of need—such as weddings, family emergencies, or community events.
Beyond its economic function, Paco’an is also a social gathering space, particularly for women, who often meet during the collection or distribution sessions. It becomes a venue for sharing information, exchanging ideas, and nurturing social bonds, ensuring that community ties remain strong while preserving their cultural heritage.
Paco’an in the Modern Era
Although modern financial institutions have introduced new ways to save and borrow money, Paco’an remains a preferred choice for many villagers.
Its flexibility, trust-based system, and community-centered values make it enduringly relevant.
This local tradition demonstrates the adaptability of indigenous practices—able to coexist with modernization while preserving their core essence.
In an age of digital banking and individualism, Paco’an stands as a reminder that community-based savings and mutual aid systems are not relics of the past, but living traditions that continue to sustain togetherness, trust, and solidarity in rural society.
Writer: Wanti A., Gemawan Activist