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This research aims to analyze: (1) the general characteristics of farmers who convert rubber land to oil palm plantations in Sungai Gelam District, and (2) the economic impact of this land conversion, particularly on farmers’ income. This study uses a quantitative approach with survey data collected from rubber and oil palm farmers. The results show that there are notable differences in farmer characteristics, including capital, labor use, and market access. The average income difference between rubber and oil palm farmers is IDR 2,712,000, indicating higher earnings from oil palm cultivation. Based on the BNT test, with a value of IDR 405,000, the average income difference exceeds the threshold, confirming that the difference is statistically significant. Furthermore, the calculated F value is greater than the F table value, which strengthens the conclusion that there is a significant difference in income between rubber and oil palm farmers. Therefore, land conversion contributes positively to farmers’ income improvement.

This study examines the role of the Lubuk Intan Village Unit Cooperative (KUD) in assisting in managing oil palm sales for smallholder farmers in Peninjau Village, Batanghari Regency. The background of this study is based on the suboptimal distribution of economic benefits to farmers, despite increasing sales through the cooperative. This situation indicates the need to strengthen the role of cooperatives in the harvest marketing system. This study used a qualitative approach with descriptive methods. Thirteen informants were interviewed: three administrators and ten members of the Lubuk Intan KUD in Peninjau Village, Batanghari Regency. The results indicate that the Lubuk Intan KUD plays a role in facilitating collective sales, providing price information, and creating certainty and transparency in the weighing and recording of harvests. This role has been able to improve marketing efficiency and member trust. However, its implementation still faces obstacles such as limited human resources, limited operational capital, and inadequate member participation.

This study aims to analyze the impact of middlemen on the price of Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) of oil palm received by farmers in Lambur I Village, Tanjung Jabung Timur Regency, from a sharia economic perspective. This study also examines the FFB marketing patterns carried out by farmers and the factors that influence farmers in choosing where to sell their harvest. The method used is a qualitative approach with a case study research type. Data were obtained through in-depth interviews, field observations, and documentation to understand FFB marketing practices and the socio-economic relationships between farmers and middlemen. The results show that FFB marketing in Lambur I Village is carried out through three main channels: middlemen, the Marketing Chain of Trust (RAM), and palm oil processing factories. Most farmers choose to sell FFB to middlemen because the transaction process is easier, payments are fast, and transportation costs are not required. In addition, urgent financial needs, limited transportation facilities, and long-standing socio-economic relationships also influence farmers' dependence on middlemen. In practice, middlemen play a dominant role in determining prices, deducting approximately Rp 250–Rp 300 per kilogram from the factory price. From a sharia economic perspective, marketing practices through middlemen are essentially permissible as long as they are carried out with mutual consent and do not contain elements of usury, gharar, or injustice. However, the dominance of middlemen in determining prices indicates a bargaining imbalance that could potentially harm farmers, thus not fully reflecting the principle of justice in sharia economics

This study aims to (1) describe the marketing channels of fresh fruit bunches (FFB) of oil palm under partnership and independent (self-managed) schemes in Merlung District, Tanjung Jabung Barat Regency; (2) analyze marketing margins, farmer’s share, and marketing efficiency for each scheme; and (3) compare differences in marketing margins and farmer’s share between single-level marketing channels in both business schemes. The research was conducted in 2025 using a survey method with simple random sampling techniques. The data used consisted of primary data obtained through direct interviews with farmers and marketing institutions, as well as secondary data from relevant agencies. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive analysis, marketing margin analysis, farmer’s share, marketing efficiency analysis, and Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA). The results show that there are two types of marketing channel patterns, namely single-level and two-level channels. The single-level marketing channel has lower marketing margins, higher farmer’s share, and better marketing efficiency. In addition, there are significant differences between single-level marketing channels in both business schemes. These findings imply that shorter marketing channels are more efficient and provide a greater share of the selling price to smallholder oil palm farmers

Independent plantations are a favorite in the Jambi Regional economy, as they are a source of economic growth, employment, exports, and foreign exchange for the region. Despite their relatively low productivity, oil palm plantations in Jambi Province have a major competitive advantage compared to other commodities. This study aims to describe, analyze competitiveness, analyze policy impacts, and conduct sensitivity tests on independent oil palm plantations. The research location was in Merlung District, selecting three sample villages: Tanjung Paku Village, Merlung Village, and Lubuk Terap Village purposively, with a total sample of 43 farmers. The data analysis method used the (PAM) method. The results of the analysis show that independent farmers still have relatively low productivity. The DRCR value is 0.379 (<1) and the PCR value is 0.368 (<1) which indicates savings in the use of domestic resources by 37.9% and 36.8%. These results indicate a comparative and competitive advantage. The divergence impact shows a negative impact, meaning that government policies are not distorted properly, as indicated by an NPCI value of 1.18 (> 1) and an NPCO value of 0.87 (< 1). Sensitivity tests show that independent oil palm plantations still have competitiveness (< 1), despite experiencing policy distortions such as input price increases (11% and 25%) and a decrease in FFB prices (45%).  

The development of the palm oil industry in Indonesia typically relies on collaboration with smallholder farmers, but this collaboration often faces various problems such as poor cultivation techniques, lack of technical guidance, unclear administrative matters, and limited access to certification and markets. This study aims to develop a specific human resource management model to support collaboration with smallholder farmers, thereby improving production yields, sustainability, and engagement in the palm oil supply chain. The method used is a desk study, namely by analyzing and reconstructing information from research results, industry reports, and palm oil certification and sustainability policies. Based on the analysis, a career structure and Human Resource Management functions are proposed, consisting of collaboration supervisors, field officers, capacity training officers, collaboration administration staff, and collaboration/certification managers. This model allows for technical and administrative assistance, training for farmers, collaboration coordination, and certification and compliance management. The implementation of this model is predicted to improve cultivation quality, improve smallholder access to certification and markets, and strengthen the stability and sustainability of the supply chain. Thus, the HR model for smallholders offers a strategic solution to the various challenges of working with smallholders and supports the development of a socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable palm oil agribusiness sector.

The development of the palm oil industry in Indonesia typically relies on collaboration with smallholder farmers, but this collaboration often faces various problems such as poor cultivation techniques, lack of technical guidance, unclear administrative matters, and limited access to certification and markets. This study aims to develop a specific human resource management model to support collaboration with smallholder farmers, thereby improving production yields, sustainability, and engagement in the palm oil supply chain. The method used is a desk study, namely by analyzing and reconstructing information from research results, industry reports, and palm oil certification and sustainability policies. Based on the analysis, a career structure and Human Resource Management functions are proposed, consisting of collaboration supervisors, field officers, capacity training officers, collaboration administration staff, and collaboration/certification managers. This model allows for technical and administrative assistance, training for farmers, collaboration coordination, and certification and compliance management. The implementation of this model is predicted to improve cultivation quality, improve smallholder access to certification and markets, and strengthen the stability and sustainability of the supply chain. Thus, the HR model for smallholders offers a strategic solution to the various challenges of working with smallholders and supports the development of a socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable palm oil agribusiness sector.

The purpose of this study is to determine the perception of Plasma Farmers/Partners on the Existence of PT. Tani Prima Makmur Oil Palm Plantation, Andabia Village, Anggaberi District, Southeast Sulawesi Province. The number of samples in the study was 54 respondents of partner/plasma farmers. There are two types of data in general, namely quantitative data and qualitative data. The data sources used in this study are primary data and secondary data. The data analysis method in this study is qualitative descriptive analysis, with a qualitative analysis model. With a Likert scale, the measured variables are described into variable indicators. Then the indicators are used as a starting point for compiling instrument items that can be in the form of questions or statements. The answers to each instrument item using a Likert scale have positive questions and negative questions. Based on the results of the analysis, it appears that public perception regarding the economic impact of PT Tani Prima Makmur's activities is assessed as a total score of 574, indicating that the existence of oil palm plantations has a positive impact on improving the economy of partner/plasma farmers. The overall social impact has a total score of 416, which means that the presence of oil palm plantations is perceived to have a negative impact on the social community of partner/plasma farmers.

Strategies to increase the income of self -help palm oil farmers can help farmers to increase production yields. This study aims to formulate and obtain strategies in an effort to increase the income of oil palm farmers. This research was conducted in Kalis District, Kapuas Hulu Regency. This study was carried out from April 5 to May 524. This study used a descriptive quantitative method with case study methods and identified internal factors (strengths and weaknesses) and external (opportunities and threats) used for the strategy to increase the income of oil palm farmers in the sub -district dull. The variables used in this study were obtained from indicators of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Based on the results of the research results of the collection, processing and analysis of the main internal factors, it is found that the main strength factor of farmers is the status of land ownership and land area owned by farmers with a weight score of 0.41. As for the main weakness of self -help farmers is inadequate access to infrastructure with a weight score of 0.18 and the total score of the IFE matrix is ​​2.51. For data analysis of the main external factors, it is found that the main opportunity factor of farmers is oil palm can be a term investment for farmers with a weight score of 0.41. As for the main threat of self -help farmers is a long queue at the Palm Oil Mill (PKS) with a weight score of 0.18 and the total score of the IFE matrix is ​​2.62. The results of processing internal and external data of farmers using the IE matrix show that the position of farmers is in quadrant I, the suitable strategy is an aggressive strategy that can support the growth of oil palm farming.

This study examines the development of a Crude Palm Oil (CPO) price forecasting model using an artificial neural network algorithm, specifically the backpropagation algorithm. As one of Indonesia’s main export commodities, CPO has a significant economic impact and influences the income of oil palm farmers. The CPO price data used in this study were obtained from CIF Rotterdam, covering the period from January 2019 to December 2023. The research methodology consists of several stages, including data collection, preprocessing, model design, and model implementation using Python programming. The training results of the backpropagation algorithm show an error value of 0.537829578 after 1,000 epochs, while the evaluation using Mean Squared Error (MSE) indicates an MSE of 0.022709 during the training process and 0.017604 during the testing process. The model also produces CPO price predictions for the next three months, namely 932.578 for the first month, 949.568 for the second month, and 774.855 for the third month. These findings indicate that the developed model is capable of predicting future CPO prices with adequate accuracy, which can assist companies in making better financial decisions and managing risks associated with CPO price fluctuations.

This study aims to analyze the influence of prices and productivity on the welfare of independent oil palm farmers in Andabia Village, Anggaberi District, Konawe Regency. The number of respondents in this study was 24 people taken by census. The analysis method used includes descriptive statistical analysis, with multiple linear regression analysis. Based on the results of the analysis, it shows that the influence of the palm oil price variable on the welfare of oil palm farmers is 0.02 one unit with a calculated t value greater than the t table value (1.924> 1.720) and a significance level smaller than 0.05 (0.02 <0.05) partially has a significant effect on the welfare of oil palm farmers. The influence of the productivity variable on the welfare of oil palm farmers is 0.000 one unit, with a calculated t value greater than the t table value (5.046> 1.663) and a significance level smaller than 0.05 (0.000 <0.05) partially has a significant effect on the welfare of oil palm farmers. The influence of palm oil price and productivity variables simultaneously has a significant influence on the welfare of oil palm farmers. From the F test, the results of the calculation of F count> F table (170,465> 3.07) with a significance level of 0.001 <0.05. This shows that the price and productivity variables together have a significant influence on the welfare of farmers in Andabia Village, Anggaberi District, Konawe Regency.

Muaro Jambi Regency is one of the main centers of smallholder oil palm plantations that plays an important role in the economy of Jambi Province through its contribution to crude palm oil (CPO) exports and tax revenues. This study aims to analyze farmer characteristics and the effects of land area (X1), plant age (X2), forest and land fire impacts (X3), labor (X4), and fertilizer use (X5) on the production of fresh fruit bunches (FFB) of smallholder oil palm in Kumpeh District. This study used a descriptive quantitative approach with primary data collected through a survey of 139 respondents and analyzed using multiple linear regression with the help of SPSS version 25. The results show that the average characteristics of farmers include an age of 44 years, an average of 2 dependents, land area of 2 hectares, plant age of 10 years, high fire impact scores, labor use of 2 workers, fertilizer use of 1,120 kg, and production of 20,000 kg. The regression results indicate that land area, plant age, and fertilizer use have a significant effect on production, while labor and forest and land fires do not have a significant effect on smallholder oil palm production.

Work time is the amount of time determined to carry out a number of routine or ordinary activities carried out inside and outside the household in units of time or hours. Rubber farming and oil palm farming are farming activities that are in great demand in Indonesian society and are important crops as a source of income for farmers. The problem that can be identified in this study is how the outflow of labor based on gender on rubber and oil palm farms in North Amboyo Village, Ngabang Sub-district, Landak Regency. This research was conducted from March 18 to April 18, 2024. The research method in this study is the survey method. The population in this study were all rubber farmers and oil palm farmers in North Amboyo Village, Ngabang District, Landak Regency, totaling 31 rubber farmers and 42 oil palm farmers. The variables of this study consisted of the work time of rubber farmers and oil palm farmers producing which was calculated within one month. The data analysis technique used in this study is the T-Test (Independent Sample T-Test). t test results Sig value. (2-tailed) in the table is 0.000 so it can be said that there is a significant difference between the labor expenditure of rubber farmers and oil palm farmers. There is a significant difference in the comparison of labor expenditure based on gender in rubber and oil palm farming with the test results, namely the value of Sig. (2-tailed) 0.000. This means that of the two research objectives there is a significant difference in the comparison of labor expenditure of rubber farmers and oil palm farmers, as well as the comparison of labor expenditure based on gender in North Amboyo Village, Ngabang District, Landak Regency. Keywords: Farming, Labor, Oil Palm, Rubber.   Abstrak. Curahan waktu kerja adalah jumlah waktu yang ditentukan untuk melakukan sejumlah kegiatan rutin atau biasa dilakukan di dalam dan luar rumah tangga dalam satuan waktu atau jam. Usahatani karet dan kelapa sawit merupakan kegiatan yang banyak diminati masyarakat Indonesia dan merupakan tanaman penting sebagai sumber penghasilan bagi petani. Permasalahan yang diidentifikasi pada penelitian ini yaitu bagaimana curahan tenaga kerja berdasarkan gender pada usahatani karet dan kelapa sawit di Desa Amboyo Utara Kecamatan Ngabang Kabupaten Landak. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan dari bulan 18 Maret–18 April 2024. Metode dalam penelitian ini adalah metode survey. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah seluruh petani karet dan petani kelapa sawit yang berada di Desa Amboyo Utara Kecamatan Ngabang Kabupaten Landak sebanyak 31 petani karet dan 42 petani kelapa sawit. Variabel penelitian terdiri dari curahan waktu kerja petani karet dan petani kelapa sawit menghasilkan  yang dihitung dalam kurun waktu satu bulan. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan pada penelitian ini adalah Uji-T (Independent Sample T-Test). Hasil uji t nilai Sig. (2-tailed) pada tabel yaitu 0.000 sehingga bisa dikatakan terdapat perbedaan yang signifikan antara curahan tenaga kerja petani karet dan petani kelapa sawit. Perbedaan yang signifikan pada perbandingan curahan tenaga kerja berdasarkan gender pada usahatani karet dan kelapa sawit dengan hasil uji yaitu nilai Sig. (2-tailed) 0.000. Artinya dari dua tujuan penelitian tersebut terdapat perbedaan yang signifikan pada perbandingan curahan tenaga kerja petani karet dan petani kelapa sawit, serta  perbandingan curahan tenaga kerja berdasarkan gender di Desa Amboyo Utara Kecamatan Ngabang Kabupaten Landak.

A partnership agreement is a form of business collaboration, either directly or indirectly, that is established based on the principles of mutual need, mutual trust, mutual reinforcement, and mutual benefit. Such partnerships generally involve Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) working with larger businesses in order to create a fairer and more sustainable business relationship. However, in practice, the implementation of partnership agreements often does not reflect these fundamental principles. This is also evident in the nucleus-plasma scheme within the palm oil plantation sector, where the relationship between the nucleus companies and plasma farmers tends to show an imbalance of bargaining power. This study aims to examine the application of partnership principles in the implementation of nucleus-plasma agreements in palm oil plantations, viewed from the perspective of prevailing legislation, particularly the Law on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME Law). The findings indicate that the application of partnership principles has not yet been fully implemented consistently. The partnership relationship remains unequal and is largely dominated by the nucleus companies, creating a sense of injustice for plasma farmers. In terms of supervision, the Indonesian Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU) plays a crucial role in ensuring that partnership agreements are carried out in line with these principles. One of the measures taken is monitoring the implementation of behavioral change commitments by business actors. KPPU ensures that nucleus companies do not abuse their dominant position and continue to provide fair opportunities for plasma farmers. Therefore, this study highlights the importance of strengthening oversight and enforcing regulations so that the objectives of nucleus-plasma partnerships in palm oil plantations can truly be realized in accordance with the principles mandated by law.

This study aims to examine the effectiveness of attractants on the activity of the pollinating beetle Elaeidobius kamerunicus and its impact on the efficiency of pollination and palm oil (Elaeis guineensis) production at PT Menthobi Makmur Lestari, Lamandau Regency, Central Kalimantan. The study was conducted from May to July 2025 using a factorial randomized block design with two factors: topography (flat 0–8% and hilly 15–25%) and attractant doses (0, 1, 2, and 3 ml/ha) with three replications.The parameters observed included the frequency of E. kamerunicus visits to female flowers and the percentage of fruit set. The results showed that the topography factor, attractant dose, and their interaction significantly affected the number of E. kamerunicus visits and fruit set (p < 0.01). The combination of flat land with high attractant doses resulted in the highest visits (69.04 beetles/spike) and maximum fruit set (75.11%), while the hilly land without attractants showed the lowest results (34.60 beetles/spike; 61.22%). The application of attractants increased fruit set by more than 20% compared to the control, leading to an increase in bunch weight (BJR) of approximately 5.67 kg/bunch, additional production of about 1,151 kg FFB/ha per 1.5 months, and a potential income of Rp 3,683,200/ha, far exceeding the application cost of Rp 211,638/ha. These results indicate that the use of attractants is an effective and efficient agronomic strategy to improve palm oil productivity. Thus, attractants have proven to significantly enhance pollination efficiency and palm oil production, providing substantial economic benefits to farmers and supporting the sustainability of palm oil plantations. This approach offers an applicable and sustainable solution for agricultural practices, which can be applied to various locations with similar topographical conditions.  

This study examines two main issues related to palm oil trading transactions in Kuala Keritang Village, Indragiri Hilir Regency, Riau Province. The first issue concerns the analysis of pricing mechanisms in palm oil trading, while the second focuses on the review of Islamic business ethics in such transactions. The objective of this research is to understand in detail how the price determination system operates in the local palm oil market and to assess the extent to which these trading practices align with the principles of Islamic business ethics. To address these issues, a qualitative descriptive method was employed. This approach was chosen because it allows for a comprehensive description of facts, data, and trading mechanisms while providing space for critical analysis in relation to Islamic values. Data were obtained through observation, interviews, and documentation, which were then described, analyzed, and discussed in order to answer the research questions thoroughly. The findings indicate that, in general, palm oil trading practices in Kuala Keritang Village are similar to other common trading systems, but they differ in terms of price-setting mechanisms. In practice, the price of palm oil is largely determined by buyers based on market conditions, which often creates injustice for farmers as sellers. From the perspective of Islamic business ethics, this practice does not fully comply with the principles of fairness, honesty, and mutual benefit, which are essential foundations of Islamic economic transactions. The study concludes that violations of Islamic business ethics principles, particularly regarding fairness in pricing, still occur in palm oil trading within the village. Therefore, improvements are needed in the transaction system so that palm oil trading in Kuala Keritang can be carried out in accordance with sharia principles, ensuring justice and mutual benefit for both sellers and buyers.

The People’s Palm Oil Replanting Program (PSR) is a national policy aimed at improving the productivity of smallholder plantations through the replanting of aging and unproductive oil palm trees. This study reviews the implementation of PSR in Indonesia by analyzing ten scholarly articles through a literature study approach. The findings indicate that program effectiveness is significantly influenced by technical support such as training, mentoring, the application of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), and strategic partnerships for harvest absorption. However, implementation faces several challenges, including limited human resources, damaged equipment, inadequate funding, prolonged replanting periods, weak coordination among stakeholders, and lack of policy dissemination. Local institutions such as cooperatives (KUD) and farmer groups (Gapoktan) play crucial roles in ensuring program sustainability and inclusiveness by acting as managers and conflict mediators. Although farmers are generally ready and actively participate, regulatory constraints—particularly the requirement of financial guarantors—remain a barrier. The study recommends strengthening local institutional capacity, enhancing stakeholder synergy, and simplifying financial schemes as strategic steps to improve the long-term effectiveness of the PSR program.

This literature study examines the construction of cultural identity through socio-economic practices in plantation ecosystems among the Acehnese, Malay, and Chinese communities in Indonesia. Using a systematic literature review of 42 selected sources (1990-2023), the research reveals that plantations function as sites of identity negotiation—dynamic arenas of cultural adaptation and resistance. In Aceh, the integration of Islamic values (zakat [alms] from plantations, meunasah education) and local wisdom (peusijuek rituals) mediates post-conflict reconciliation and identity transformation from "combatants" to "farmers" (Muchlis et al., 2023; Aulia et al., 2024). For the Malay community, the customary-territorial concept of bela kampung (communal defense) underpins resistance to authority fragmentation through gotong royong (mutual cooperation) and communal land allocation (Yunanda et al., 2024; Nasution et al., 2024). Meanwhile, the Chinese community develops invisibility strategies (e.g., land acquisition via family foundations, citizenship aliases) to convert legal marginalization into clan-based social capital (Irawan, 2016; Thung, 2018). Key findings highlight divergent identity sources: religiosity (Aceh), customary-territoriality (Malay), and clan social capital (Chinese). The study recommends integrating local wisdom into inclusive plantation policies and employing ethnographic approaches to examine identity intersectionality complexity.

This study uses a qualitative method to describe the infestation of Oryctes rhinoceros beetles in oil palm plantations and its impact on crop productivity. This pest poses a major threat to oil palm cultivation due to its ability to damage the growing points of both young and mature plants, resulting in a significant decline in yield. The study was conducted through field observations and in-depth interviews with farmers and field technicians at an oil palm plantation in Sumatra. The findings reveal that Oryctes infestations are more prevalent in plantations with poor sanitation and limited implementation of regular biological control systems. Farmers predominantly rely on mechanical and chemical control methods, which have proven to be less effective due to the lack of coordinated and sustainable application. Therefore, an ecologically-based integrated pest management strategy is needed, combining biological control, cultural practices, and farmer education to effectively suppress pest populations and ensure the sustainability of oil palm production.

The purpose of the study was to analyze the impact of the crude palm oil export ban on the income of oil palm farming businesses in Danau Embat Village, Maro Sebo Ilir District. The study was conducted from January 2023 to August 2023. The types of data used were primary data and secondary data. The sample determination was carried out by simple random sampling. Data analysis was carried out qualitatively and quantitatively. Quantitative analysis was carried out using the Paired Sample t Test (Test of two paired average differences). The results of the analysis of the two average differences test were significant for oil palm farming business income between before and after the CPO export ban, this can be seen from the significant value of 0.001 which is smaller than the probability value (α) of 0.05, which means that the impact of the CPO export ban has an effect on the decline in the income of oil palm farming businesses on smallholder plantations in Danau Embat Village. The CPO export ban should be reviewed because it will have an impact on the income of oil palm farmers.