Food Estate in Transmigrant Society, Central Borneo: Blessed or Curse?

Abstract

The food estate program implemented in Central Borneo has elicited both positive and negative responses from diverse segments of society. The present scenario is closely intertwined with the pressing nature and consequential effects, particularly within the domains of environmental and ecosystem sciences, economics, and socio-cultural sciences. This research examines the implementation and effects of the food estate program on the transmigrant community in the Pandih Batu District, Pulang Pisau Regency, located in Central Borneo. It uses a qualitative research design. Data were gathered through observations, documentation, and interviews. The focus of this study pertains to the transmigrant community residing in the regions of Blanti, Siam, and Gadabung. Establishing a food estate in Pulang Pisau has yielded favorable outcomes within the community, including the provision of assistance and enhancements in infrastructure, particularly in terms of road accessibility for the distribution of crops. However, it also raises issues like ecosystem alterations and communal farming practices. Despite the need for the land to support the target’s achievement, people feel driven to boost the production of the agricultural products the government has set as a goal. The establishment of the food estate has resulted in a situation where farmers have become reliant on the government for the allocation of resources.