Analisis Motivasi Petani Sawit Mandiri dalam Implementasi Kebijakan Pengelolaan Kawasan Budidaya Khusus, di Kecamatan Muara Batang Toru, Kabupaten Tapanuli Selatan

Abstract

Implementation of sustainable spatial planning through special cultivation area policies in Muara Batang Toru District which maintains the existence of important ecosystems among independent oil palm farmers. The determination of special cultivation area management policies by the South Tapanuli Regency Government is going well. This research explains motivation levels of smallholder oil palm farmers, identifying factors impacting their motivation and formulates strategies to enhance the motivation of independent oil palm farmers in implementing the Special Cultivation Area Management Policy. Carried out in Muara Batang Toru Sub-district, South Tapanuli Regency, the research was conducted using an explanatory survey method and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) approach using the SmartPls 3.0 program for data analysis. The findings revealed several key points: 1) smallholder oil palm farmers demonstrate satisfactory motivation levels in implementing the Special Cultivation Area Management Policy, thereby contributing to the optimal utilization of land for sustainable oil palm cultivation; 2) farmer motivation is directly influenced by their perceptions and capacity, while being indirectly influenced by farmer characteristics, external support, extension workers involvement, and farmer groups dynamics, and 3) efforts to increase farmer motivation can be carried out by increasing capacity and strengthening farmer perceptions towards sustainable palm oil cultivation practices. Furthermore, it is recommended that the Regional Agriculture Services, Environment Service, Public Works, and Spatial Planning Services of South Tapanuli Regency are advised to integrate the Special Cultivation Area Management Policy into their plans. They should facilitate initiatives such as Field Schools, establishment of demonstration plots with Sustainable Palm Oil technology packages and implementation of comparative studies for independent oil palm farmers.