The fundamental impact of the loss of peatlands in Central Kalimantan has broad and deep implications for local communities. Initially, the existence of peatlands began to disappear due to increasingly widespread oil palm plantation activities.
Data collected by the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (WALHI) Central Kalimantan (Kalteng) shows that conflicts between local communities and companies related to the development and management of oil palm plantations have reached 345 in the last two decades. This conflict not only causes economic losses but also threatens the identity and survival of local communities.
In the past, the people of Pilang and Simpur villages, Pulang Pisau subdistrict, Central Kalimantan lived from traditional agriculture, such as growing cassava and rice. They are even able to produce red rice which is typical of their region. So it is enough to meet food needs for a year and can even be sold to increase family income.
However, since 1992, the massive expansion of oil palm plantations has radically changed their landscape. Their lands that were once fertile and productive have now been converted into oil palm plantations. This not only reduces the area of land for farming but also changes the social and cultural order of local communities.
Data from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) shows that the area of illegal palm oil plantations in Central Kalimantan has reached 855,558.68 hectares. With illegal mining reaching 111,850.33 hectares. Of the total 967,409.01 hectares, ownership of around 938,847.04 hectares has been identified, most of which are used for oil palm plantation activities. This peatland exploitation not only damages the environment but also causes water quality to decrease and increases the risk of fire.
Food Estates Are Not the Solution
The government's efforts to overcome food security problems with programs food estate Turns out it also didn't give the expected results. The government has started developing rice food barns in Kapuas and Pulang Pisau Regencies since 2020. Around 62,000 hectares of rice fields included in the program are on ex-Peatland Development (PLG) land. The reason this area was chosen was because its status was no longer a forest area.
If we look at history, during the reign of Soeharto and Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Kalimantan was an area in Indonesia that was used as a rice center area. Similar programs have been carried out, but none were successful. The reason is because there is very little research regarding land suitability and the social conditions of the people in Central Kalimantan.
Reporting from a BBC news report on March 15 2023, the Director of WALHI Central Kalimantan, Bayu Herinata, explained that planting rice on ex-Peatland Development (PLG) land was a haphazard act. Because the function of peat as a regulator of the water cycle is exploited, resulting in drought and later triggering land fires.
In terms of the social conditions of the community, the Dayak Ngaju indigenous community actually already has an agricultural pattern that is in accordance with their local wisdom. So they know exactly which locations can be used as agricultural land. Unfortunately, the program food estate This ignores the role of local residents including their knowledge.
Bayu also emphasized that the people in Central Kalimantan do not yet have a close rice field farming pattern. "Even if there are, they are not local people but transmigrants," said Bayu. Local residents are accustomed to farming by burning land. However, if a fire occurs, the community is blamed. What is happening now, according to Bayu, is that local communities are being forced to carry out planting practices that are different from their habits. This means it is not a simple matter. It takes a long process to change.
Another problem why this program failed, he said, was that the seeds given to local farmers did not match their knowledge. Seeds for food estate using the Inpari 42 variety from the Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan). The age of the seeds is shorter than the age of local seeds, and as soon as they grow they are attacked by pests. People who have no experience in planting seeds have to try pest medicines, but they don't get better.
In the end, the Dayak Ngaju indigenous people were forced to buy rice and other kitchen necessities. In fact, if they are given wide access to land management in accordance with their local wisdom, the indigenous people of Pilang and Simpur villages can produce red rice for food security throughout the year. In fact, some of them can still be sold.
The Dayak Ngaju Indigenous Community is Increasingly Poorer
The impact of all this is not only limited to the agricultural sector but also extends to social and economic aspects. Many Dayak Ngaju indigenous people are forced to become palm oil workers with minimal wages, not even commensurate with the expenses they incur. Fluctuating palm oil prices make the situation even more difficult. Especially during the rainy season when they cannot work and palm oil prices are high. Also during the summer when palm oil prices decrease.
Apart from that, illegal mining activities also pollute rivers and reduce people's access to clean water. This is a dilemma because in the end the people of Pilang and Simpur villages have to buy clean water for drinking and cooking needs.
Not to mention the problem of electricity which is difficult to access, especially in Simpur village. There are administrative requirements from the State Electricity Company (PLN) which require that 1,000 heads of families must pay electricity costs. Meanwhile they don't have enough money to cover the costs.
As for solar power assistance from several empowerment institutions, it is not optimal. Lack of assistance to increase community capacity is the main factor. Where when people are given tools and then the goods are damaged, the people cannot repair them and the people end up selling them.
This whole problem creates a vicious circle for the people of Pilang and Simpur villages. Where the loss of land for their traditional livelihoods has pushed them to become palm oil workers or rubber farmers with low wages and economic uncertainty. This shows that the impact of unsustainable exploitation of peatlands and other natural resources has created a crisis situation for indigenous communities in Central Kalimantan.
The Role of KWT in Empowering Indigenous Communities
For this reason, the Women Farmers Group (KWT) in Pilang and Simpur villages plays a very important role in empowering traditional women. As well as improving welfare and sustainability in the two villages. This group is not only a forum for women to gather and support each other. But it also provides a basis for sustainable agricultural activities.
Armed with the spirit of mutual cooperation and local wisdom, KWT in the two villages has succeeded in adopting sustainable agricultural practices. Especially by using the deep planting method poly bag. Even though land is limited, they are able to optimize the available space and plant various types of plants needed for daily needs. For example chilies, eggplant, cassava and other plants.
The success of KWT in Pilang Village became an inspiration when they succeeded in creating value-added products from their crops, namely cassava chips. They succeeded in processing cassava into products that could be sold, providing additional income for their families. This not only improves the economic level of the group, but also provides a boost of enthusiasm and pride for the group members.
More than just an agricultural activity, KWT is also a place for the exchange of knowledge and skills. As well as supporting the empowerment of indigenous women in the region. Through collaboration and cooperation in groups, members can learn from each other and grow together. Strengthen social and economic ties between them.
Thus, KWT in Pilang and Simpur villages is not only an example of success in sustainable agricultural practices and wise management of natural resources. But it is also a symbol of the empowerment of indigenous women in building a better and more sustainable society.
