The aim of the research is to determine the role of Papuan women in raising family income in the traditional market. This research was conducted in traditional markets in West Papua Province with 100 Papuan women as the object of the research. The data was collected using a depth interview and direct observation in some social economic activities at the sites. Afterward, the data were analyzed using qualitative methods with case study approach outlined thematically. The result of the research has shown that the role of Papuan women as traders is extremely crucial in raising the level of family income. Their involvement in economic activities in an informal sector (trading) is largely motivated by family economic necessities, wanting to help their husband, paying children’s tuition, a limited and inconsistent employment and income of their husband, the number of dependents in the family, and a limited level of education and skill.
Keywords: role, trader, Papua and Income