Community adaptation to the “zero burnings” policy on peatlands: cases in Rengas Merah-Riding and Senasih Mulya-Kayu Labu, Ogan Komering Ilir District, South Sumatra Province

Abstract

The conversion of peat swamp forest and peatlands is generally caused by the use of fire in land preparation, which is at risk of triggering uncontrolled forest and land fires. Even though the Indonesian government has explicitly banned the use of fire in clearing peatland for agriculture since 2014, which was stated on government regulation number 71 of 2014 concerning the protection and management of peat ecosystems, people still use fire in land preparation because it is cheap. This research investigated how do the community of Rengas Merah-Riding and Senasih Mulya-Kayu Labu, Ogan Komering Ilir Regency, adapt to the “zero burnings” policy? In-depth interviews and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using tabulation and a qualitative descriptive approach. The results of the study indicated that by the prohibition on the use of fire in land clearing, the community has tried to adapt it even though it cannot be fully implemented. The local communities of research site have alternative livelihoods without using fire, which is “bekarang” (fishing) (both site), developing edible bird nest (both site), and making “purun” mat crafts (only in Senasi Mulya-Kayu Labu). The results of the study are expected to be a valid promotion for local livelihoods without burning, as an element of community livelihoods revitalization within the framework of peat restoration programs.