Kemiskinan Perkotaan dan Strategi Bertahan Hidup Pemulung dalam Perspektif Teologi Kristen di Kota Tangerang

Urban poverty remains a complex social problem that affects various community groups, including scavengers who work within the informal sector. This study aims to analyze the survival strategies of scavengers in Tangerang City and reflect on their experiences from a Christian theological perspective. The research uses a qualitative approach through literature study and descriptive analysis of relevant social phenomena. The findings show that scavengers develop several survival strategies, including utilizing family and community networks, working persistently, selecting strategic collection areas, managing limited income, and adapting to uncertain environmental and economic conditions. Nevertheless, scavengers continue to face social marginalization, economic vulnerability, occupational risks, limited access to health services, and inadequate social protection. From a Christian theological perspective, this reality calls for a response grounded in love, justice, human dignity, and concern for marginalized communities. Therefore, churches, local communities, and wider society are expected to participate actively in empowering scavengers through holistic, inclusive, and contextual approaches that strengthen welfare, social recognition, and sustainable livelihoods.