Konversi Lahan Sawah menjadi Lahan Kelapa Sawit di Desa Bandar Betsy II Kecamatan Bandar Huluan Kabupaten Simalungun (1997—2011)

Abstract

This study is a study entitled conversion of rice fields into oil palm land in Bandar Betsy II village, Bandar Huluan District, Simalungun Regency (1997-2011). The purpose of this study is to explain the process of conversion of paddy fields into oil palm land and what contribution the people of Bandar Betsy II get from this land conversion. This thesis research uses historical method where this method has four stages in its implementation, namely heuristics, source criticism, interpretation, and historiography. This study was conducted by collecting data through interviews and literature studies. The results showed that the factors behind the conversion of land in the village of Bandar Betsy II is due to planthopper pests and floods that greatly interfere with the community's rice harvest. The conversion process was first carried out in 1997 by one family, Oppung Nanda Silalahi. This conversion is also not spared from rat pests but these pests do not last long due to proper handling. Seeing the good harvest and the price of oil offered at that time was quite tempting to make people slowly participate in converting their own land. This continued slowly until in 2005 All community land was converted to oil palm. The contribution received by the community because of this land conversion is quite a lot and very good such as increased employment, increased purchasing power, increased education, and better infrastructure than before.