The Effect Of Forest Conversion On The Poverty Level Of Indigenous Peoples (Case Study Of Pandumaan Village, Pollung District, Humbang Hasundutan Regency)

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The Effect of Forest Conversion on the Poverty Level of Indigenous Peoples: Case Study of Pandumaan Village, Pollung District, Humbang Hasundutan Regency

Introduction

Forest Conversion and Indigenous Peoples: A Growing Concern

The conversion of forests to industrial crops has become a pressing issue in many parts of the world, particularly in regions where indigenous peoples rely heavily on forest resources for their livelihoods. In the case of Pandumaan Village, located in Pollung District, Humbang Hasundutan Regency, North Sumatra, the conversion of forest functions has had a devastating impact on the poverty level of the indigenous community. This article aims to explore the effects of forest conversion on the poverty level of indigenous peoples, using the case study of Pandumaan Village.

Background

Pandumaan Village: A Community Dependent on Incense

Pandumaan Village is known for its high-quality incense, which is produced from the forest area. The incense industry is not only a source of livelihood for the community but also a cultural heritage that has been passed down through generations. However, since 2009, the village has faced serious problems due to the transfer of forest functions carried out through the issuance of the Register Decree 44. The entry of TPL companies that replace the incense land of the community with industrial crops such as Eucalyptus has caused anxiety and deep negative impacts for the life of the Pandumaan Village community.

The Dependence on Incense

The community's dependence on incense is evident in the fact that it is not just a source of income but also a cultural identity. The incense industry is a significant contributor to the village's economy, and the community's livelihoods are closely tied to the production and sale of incense. The loss of incense land due to forest conversion has had a devastating impact on the community's economy, leading to a decline in income and an increase in poverty.

Methodology

Quantitative Method with Correlation Approach

This study uses a quantitative method with a correlation approach to understand the extent of the transfer of land functions affects the level of community poverty. The researchers used open questionnaires and structured interviews to collect data from 74 family heads who were farmers in the village. The Taro Yamane sampling technique was used to select the sample.

Data Analysis

The results of the study showed that the transfer of land functions was a complex issue involving two perceptions of ownership: customary law and national law. The government policies related to this issue do not seem to provide adequate solutions, and people feel that the government does not side with them. As a result of the transfer of land functions, the income of the Pandumaan Village community declined dramatically, exacerbated by the increasing price of daily needs, education, and health. This led to an increase in poverty in the village, where people's lives are currently in a very difficult condition.

Results

The Impact of Forest Conversion on Poverty

The results of the study showed that the transfer of land functions had a significant impact on the poverty level of the indigenous community. The loss of incense land due to forest conversion led to a decline in income and an increase in poverty. The community's dependence on incense was evident in the fact that it was not just a source of income but also a cultural identity. The loss of incense land threatened the sustainability of the culture and identity of indigenous peoples.

The Threat to Local Wisdom

The conversion of land from incense to an industrial crop not only affects livelihoods but can also erode local wisdom that has existed for centuries. The community's traditional knowledge and practices are closely tied to the production and sale of incense, and the loss of incense land threatens the sustainability of these practices.

Conclusion

The Need for Sustainable Strategies

The shift in forest functions in Pandumaan Village is a deep problem and requires serious attention from various parties. By involving the community in making decisions and looking for more sustainable alternatives, it is hoped that the life of the indigenous peoples of Pandumaan Village can be improved and their welfare can be maintained again. The government, civil society, and non-governmental organizations must work together to develop sustainable strategies that not only consider economic aspects but also social and cultural.

Recommendations

Involving the Community in Decision-Making

The community must be involved in decision-making processes related to forest conversion and land use. This will ensure that the community's needs and concerns are taken into account and that sustainable alternatives are developed.

Developing Sustainable Alternatives

Sustainable alternatives must be developed to replace the incense land that has been lost due to forest conversion. This can include the development of new industries or the expansion of existing ones.

Protecting Local Wisdom

Efforts must be made to protect local wisdom and traditional knowledge that are closely tied to the production and sale of incense. This can include the development of programs to preserve and promote local wisdom.

Future Research Directions

Further Research on Forest Conversion

Further research is needed to understand the impact of forest conversion on indigenous communities. This can include studies on the economic, social, and cultural impacts of forest conversion.

Developing Sustainable Strategies

Research is needed to develop sustainable strategies that consider economic, social, and cultural aspects. This can include the development of models for sustainable forest management and the evaluation of the effectiveness of these models.

Protecting Local Wisdom

Research is needed to protect local wisdom and traditional knowledge that are closely tied to the production and sale of incense. This can include the development of programs to preserve and promote local wisdom.

References

  • [1] Register Decree 44 (2009)
  • [2] Taro Yamane (1967)
  • [3] World Bank (2019)
  • [4] United Nations (2020)
  • [5] Local Government of Humbang Hasundutan Regency (2020)

Appendices

  • [1] Questionnaire
  • [2] Interview Schedule
  • [3] Data Analysis
  • [4] Results
  • [5] Conclusion
    Q&A: The Effect of Forest Conversion on the Poverty Level of Indigenous Peoples

Introduction

The conversion of forests to industrial crops has become a pressing issue in many parts of the world, particularly in regions where indigenous peoples rely heavily on forest resources for their livelihoods. In the case of Pandumaan Village, located in Pollung District, Humbang Hasundutan Regency, North Sumatra, the conversion of forest functions has had a devastating impact on the poverty level of the indigenous community. In this Q&A article, we will address some of the most frequently asked questions related to the effect of forest conversion on the poverty level of indigenous peoples.

Q1: What is the main cause of poverty in Pandumaan Village?

A1: The main cause of poverty in Pandumaan Village is the conversion of forest functions, which has led to the loss of incense land and a decline in income for the community.

Q2: How does the conversion of forest functions affect the livelihoods of indigenous peoples?

A2: The conversion of forest functions affects the livelihoods of indigenous peoples by replacing their traditional sources of income, such as incense production, with industrial crops that are often more profitable for companies but less beneficial for the community.

Q3: What are the social and cultural impacts of forest conversion on indigenous peoples?

A3: The social and cultural impacts of forest conversion on indigenous peoples include the erosion of local wisdom, the loss of traditional knowledge and practices, and the threat to the sustainability of their culture and identity.

Q4: What are the economic impacts of forest conversion on indigenous peoples?

A4: The economic impacts of forest conversion on indigenous peoples include a decline in income, a loss of employment opportunities, and a reduction in access to basic services such as healthcare and education.

Q5: What can be done to mitigate the negative impacts of forest conversion on indigenous peoples?

A5: To mitigate the negative impacts of forest conversion on indigenous peoples, it is essential to involve the community in decision-making processes, develop sustainable alternatives to replace lost land, and protect local wisdom and traditional knowledge.

Q6: What role can governments play in addressing the issue of forest conversion and its impact on indigenous peoples?

A6: Governments can play a crucial role in addressing the issue of forest conversion and its impact on indigenous peoples by developing policies and laws that prioritize the rights and interests of indigenous peoples, providing support for sustainable forest management, and promoting the development of sustainable alternatives to industrial crops.

Q7: What can civil society and non-governmental organizations do to support indigenous peoples affected by forest conversion?

A7: Civil society and non-governmental organizations can support indigenous peoples affected by forest conversion by providing advocacy and support for their rights, promoting sustainable forest management, and developing programs to preserve and promote local wisdom and traditional knowledge.

Q8: What are the long-term consequences of forest conversion on indigenous peoples?

A8: The long-term consequences of forest conversion on indigenous peoples include the loss of their traditional way of life, the erosion of their culture and identity, and the reduction of their access to basic services and resources.

Q9: How can we ensure that the rights and interests of indigenous peoples are respected and protected in the face of forest conversion?

A9: To ensure that the rights and interests of indigenous peoples are respected and protected in the face of forest conversion, it is essential to involve them in decision-making processes, provide them with access to information and resources, and promote the development of sustainable alternatives to industrial crops.

Q10: What is the way forward for indigenous peoples affected by forest conversion?

A10: The way forward for indigenous peoples affected by forest conversion is to work together with governments, civil society, and non-governmental organizations to develop sustainable alternatives to industrial crops, protect local wisdom and traditional knowledge, and promote the development of sustainable forest management practices.

References

  • [1] Register Decree 44 (2009)
  • [2] Taro Yamane (1967)
  • [3] World Bank (2019)
  • [4] United Nations (2020)
  • [5] Local Government of Humbang Hasundutan Regency (2020)

Appendices

  • [1] Questionnaire
  • [2] Interview Schedule
  • [3] Data Analysis
  • [4] Results
  • [5] Conclusion