Petani Etnis Cina Kebun Sayur di Desa Ujung Rambung Kecamatan Pantai Cermin (1975-2004)

Abstract

This research discusses the Chinese Ethnic Vegetable Farmers in Ujung Rambung Village, Pantai Cermin District, Serdang Bedagai Regency from 1975 to 2004. This research aims to explain the existence of the Chinese ethnic group in this area, which is inseparable from the large wave of migration that occurred from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, closely related to the labor needs in the East Sumatra tobacco plantation sector. After completing their contract or free laborer work, most Chinese immigrants chose to settle permanently, including in Ujung Rambung Village. Since around 1942, the Chinese community, particularly those from the Hai Lohong clan from Hainan, began to build a new life as vegetable farmers. This research uses a historical method with a qualitative approach that includes heuristic, source criticism, interpretation, and historiography stages. Primary data was obtained through field observations and interviews with Chinese-descendant farmers and village officials, while secondary data was collected from literature studies, including books, scientific articles, and archives. The research results show that the profession of vegetable farmer is maintained not only as a source of livelihood but also as a heritage passed down through generations. This agricultural activity has developed more intensively since 1975, and the term “vegetable garden” has emerged, locally referring to agricultural areas managed by the Chinese community that consistently cultivate various types of vegetables. The term “Chinese Vegetable Garden Farmers” has also emerged to describe the identity of this group, which relies on the vegetable farming sector for their livelihood. The research results explain the background of the Chinese community in Ujung Rambung Village in choosing the profession of vegetable farmer, the form of agriculture run by the Chinese Vegetable Garden community, and the reasons why the Chinese community maintains the profession of vegetable farmer. Additionally, the sustainability of this agricultural activity is strengthened by social bonds among community members, the use of simple agricultural technology, and limited alternative livelihoods in the village area. This research concludes how the Chinese community in the village is able to preserve a tradition passed down through generations in the farming profession in Ujung Rambung Village, Pantai Cermin District.