Dampak Sosial Pabrik Kelapa Sawit terhadap Masyarakat di Desa Pulo Padang Kabupaten Labuhanbatu

Abstract

The palm oil mill plays an important role in improving the income of the local community. However, its existence not only brings positive impacts but also negative ones. This study aims to analyze the social impacts of the palm oil mill on the community in Pulo Padang Village, Rantau Utara Subdistrict, Labuhanbatu Regency, focusing on several social aspects: the impact on welfare, health, social interaction, and education. This research employs a qualitative approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, field observations, and documentation. The results show that the social impacts of the palm oil mill are complex, encompassing both positive and negative aspects. On the positive side, the community gains new employment opportunities as factory workers and unskilled laborers, contributing to increased household income. However, the negative impacts are also significant. In terms of health, residents complain about the unpleasant odor and smoke emitted from the factory‟s chimneys, which often cause coughing. In the education sector, the proximity of the mill to an elementary school disrupts the teaching and learning process due to machine noise and foul odors that frequently enter classrooms. Thus, the presence of the palm oil mill in Pulo Padang Village produces contradictory impacts. To minimize its negative effects, synergistic efforts are needed among the factory management, local community, and village government through participatory, transparent, and sustainable approaches, particularly in environmental management and community empowerment.