Conflict Resolution in Aceh: A Sociological Study of Ecological Sustainability and Palm Oil

Crops that are currently in great demand by the community are rubber and oil palm plantation plants. The imbalance of rubber production and the price of rubber sales with maintenance costs for the management of rubber plantations caused farmers to start changing the function of their agricultural land. This research was carried out on the conversion of people's rubber plants in Harum Sari Village, Tamiang Hulu District, Aceh Tamiang Regency in September 2022. This study aims to analyze the influence of the conversion of the people's rubber plant into an oil palm plant in Harum Sari Village, Tamiang Hulu District, Aceh Tamiang Regency. In this study, it used a quantitative method in the form of multiple linear regression analysis using SPSS software version 22. Sampling was carried out using the purvosive method of samples taken in the study as many as 50. The results of this study simultaneously the price of rubber as much as land conversion, farm costs, rubber production, total rubber land area before land conversion, education has a significant effect on the area of rubber land converted. Partially the price of rubber, the cost of farming, rubber production, the total land area and education have a significant effect on land conversion. Keywords: land conversion, rubber farming and oil palm farming.

In Sumatra, Indonesia, the establishment of oil palm and rubber plantations is widespread. However, it occurs at the expense of forest area. Since global demand for palm oil and rubber is increasing, forest conversion is expected to continue. Furthermore, studies have shown that forest destruction and the establishment of agricultural land uses influence the soil–atmosphere exchange of the climate-relevant trace gases carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O) and nitric oxide (NO). Nevertheless, trace gas measurements from oil palm and rubber plantations are scarce. Additionally, researchers have so far not considered oil palm canopy soils as a possible source or sink of trace gases. The present thesis consists of three studies, which assess the impact of forest conversion into smallholder oil palm and rubber plantations on soil CO2 and CH4 fluxes, as well as on soil N2O and NO fluxes, and which investigate the importance of oil palm canopy soil for N2O and CH4 fluxes. We conducted the studies on highly weathered tropical soils in Jambi Province, Sumatra, Indonesia and selected two soil landscapes which mainly differ in texture (clay and loam Acrisol). To examine the impact of land-use change on soil trace gas fluxes we investigated four different land uses per landscape: lowland forest and jungle rubber (rubber trees interspersed in secondary forest), as reference land uses, as well as smallholder rubber (7–17 years old) and oil palm plantations (9–16 years old), as converted land uses. Each land use was replicated four times in both landscapes.
\n\tThe first study investigated changes in soil CO2 and CH4 fluxes with forest conversion to smallholder oil palm and rubber plantations. We determined soil CO2 and CH4 fluxes monthly from December 2012 to December 2013, using static vented chambers. Our findings show that soil CO2 fluxes in oil palm plantations were reduced and that fluxes from the other three land uses were comparable among each other in both landscapes. We attributed this decrease to strongly decomposed soil organic matter, reduced soil carbon (C) stocks as well as to phosphorus fertilization and liming, which led to a lower C allocation to roots. Due to reduced nitrogen (N) availability in the converted land uses CH4 uptake was lower in oil palm and rubber when compared to the reference land uses in both landscapes. Thus, soil fertility appeared to be an important controller of soil CO2 and CH4 fluxes in this tropical landscape.
\n\tThe second study focused on the impact of forest conversion into smallholder oil palm and rubber plantations on soil N2O and NO fluxes. Additionally, we compared soil N2O fluxes from smallholder oil palm plantations with fluxes from a large-scale oil palm plantation. We determined soil N2O fluxes monthly from December 2012 to December 2013 in the two landscapes and weekly to bi-weekly from July 2014 to July 2015 in the large-scale oil palm plantation, using static vented chambers. Using open dynamic chambers, we measured soil NO fluxes four times in all land uses of both landscapes between March and September 2013. Our results show that land use change did not affect soil N2O and NO fluxes because of low initial N availability in the reference land uses, so that N2O and NO fluxes were also low, and any changes due to conversion might have been too small to identify. However, the large-scale oil palm plantation, although not significantly different, showed, because of their higher fertilizer input, on average 3.5 times higher soil N2O fluxes than the smallholder oil palm plantations.
\n\tThe aim of the third study was to quantify N2O and CH4 fluxes from oil palm canopy soils. We measured soil N2O and CH4 from three different stem heights in eight smallholder oil palm plantations across the two landscapes from February 2013 to May 2014, on a bi-weekly to monthly basis, using in-situ incubation. Oil palm canopy soil emitted N2O and CH4 from all stem heights. However, fluxes were low compared to ground soil fluxes. This was due to a low amount of canopy soil on a hectare basis and due to high nitrate contents, which might have suppressed CH4 production.
\n\tIn the synthesis of this dissertation, data on soil trace gas fluxes were embedded into a broader context to gain information on changes of the net biome exchange (NBE) and on partial N budgets with land-use change. Soil CO2 and CH4 fluxes were combined with an ancillary study on net primary production and harvest as well as with estimations on the contribution of heterotrophic soil respiration to total soil respiration. Soil N2O and NO fluxes were combined with ancillary studies on N inputs and outputs via fertilization, bulk precipitation, leaching and harvest. The results revealed that the NBE of oil palm plantations was higher compared to forest. Nevertheless, implications for climate change are negative since forest conversion itself results in a huge C loss, which cannot be compensated over time by oil palm plantations. The lowest partial N budget was detected in oil palm, indicating that N inputs via precipitation and fertilization were smaller than the huge N loss via harvest. Overall, these results illustrate that land-use change has negative effects on the C and N budgets of tropical ecosystems.

This study aims to find out and analyze the influence of internal and external factors on the quality of the annual development plan of the region in Aceh Tamiang Regency partially and simultaneously. The sample of this study is that all employees in the office of Regional Development Planning, Research and Development Agency (BAPPEDA) Aceh Tamiang district numbered 30 people. The results of the study obtained mathematical equations that are Y = 9.468 + 0.262 X1 + 0.215 X2. The correlation coefficient value (R) of 0.673 means a strong and positive relationship and significant (real) between internal and external factors with the quality of the regional annual development plan in Aceh Tamiang Regency. The coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.453 or 45.3% indicates that 45.3% of the quality of the regional annual development plan in Aceh Tamiang Regency is influenced by internal and external factors. The remaining 54.7% was influenced by other factors. T test results for internal factors t calculated > t table value of 2,277 > 2.05183 and significant in  = 0.05 obtained figures of 0.031 < 0.05 means internal factors significantly affect the quality of the regional annual development plan in Aceh Tamiang District, which is the contribution of the variable of 0.262. External factors have a t count value of > t table and a significant t that is far from the significant value of tolerance of 5% which is 2,155 > 2.05183 and significant 0.040 < 0.05 and the contribution of these factors is the amount of the regression value with the number 0.215. F is worth 3.35. The calculated F value is above F table which is 11,160 > 3.35 and also the significant F value is 0.000 < 0.005. So that from the results of the F test can be analyzed that internal and external factors together the two free variables have a significant and significant / tangible effect on the quality of the annual development plan of the region in Aceh Tamiang District. Thus, the hypothesis that reads internal and external factors simultaneously affects the quality of the annual development plan of Aceh Tamiang District can be accepted and theoretically proven. Keywords: Internal Factors, External Factors, Quality of Regional Annual Development Plans.

Predatory arthropods may play a crucial role in decreasing the pest population that causes a significant loss in oil palm production. In this study, we investigated the diversity of predatory arthropods and their abundance on immature and mature oil palm plantation grown in Aceh Tamiang, Sumatra, Indonesia. Arthropod predators were collected by using light trap, yellow-pan trap and pitfall trap that were placed on an immature and mature oil palm plantation. Specimens were sorted and identified in the Laboratory. The results showed that there were 674 individuals arthropod predators (insects and spiders) consisted of 7 orders, 22 families and 37 morphospecies collected in the immature plantation. While in mature plantation, arthropod predators found were 740 individuals consisted of 6 orders 23 families and 42 morphospecies. Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) dominated other families regarding morphospecies and individual numbers. There was no significant difference in term of species richness and abundance of predators between both phases of the plantation which implied that the two plantations hosted a similar composition and abundance of predators. The diversity indices of predators calculated in both plantations showed that the predators were categorized as middle level of diversity and middle level of individual distribution, However, the community is unstable. Our results suggested that predatory predators were present in similar structure in both phases of oil palm plantations. Efforts to conserve them are needed to enhance their performance as part of a sustainable and environmentally friendly method for controlling pests in oil palm plantation.

Aceh Province is an area rich in natural resources for oil palm plantations, which can be optimized. Many oil palm companies are established in Aceh. PT Betami, as one of the many Palm Oil Plantation companies in Aceh Tamiang, must improve the performance of its employees in order to compete with competitors. This research aims to describe the factors that can influence employee performance at PT Betami, describe the performance of PT Betami employees, and analyze the influence of salary, incentives, motivation, work environment, training, and development on the performance of PT Betami employees. The research was conducted at the PT Betami Palm Oil Company on Jln. Sapta Jaya, Suka Jadi Village, Rantau District, Aceh Tamiang Regency. The research method used is a survey using observation and questionnaires. The research sample was 77 people and was calculated using the Slovin formula. Sampling was carried out using the Simple Random Sampling technique. Data analysis was done using descriptive and multiple linear regression analyses using SPSS. The research results show that the performance of PT Betami employees is excellent. Salary, incentives, motivation, work environment, training, and development can influence PT Betami employees' performance. Motivation and incentives can influence employee performance in the highest category.

Changes in eco-hydrological functioning after tropical rainforest transformation to rubber and oil palm plantations

One of the important pillars in the world of education in Aceh Tamiang Regency is the presence of school supervisors. The number of supervisors for junior high schools in Aceh Tamiang District is relatively limited. The purpose of the study was to analyze the motivation of school supervisors in improving the quality of teachers in Aceh Tamiang District. This qualitative research uses interview, observation, and document techniques. The results of the study indicated that the motivation of school supervisors in improving the quality of education in Aceh Tamiang Regency is very much needed. Their motivation in improving the quality of education in Aceh Tamiang District is a way to achieve eight national education standards. The number of school supervisors for the junior high school level is still very limited when compared to the number of schools. Accordingly, this is the case in Aceh Tamiang District. The existence of school supervisors is important to motivate educators and education staff in the education unit to improve the quality of their work. The quality of education in schools is the responsibility of a supervisor. To solve this problem, a policy should be taken by the local government through the Education and Culture Office of Aceh Tamiang Regency to increase the number of school supervisors for the junior high school level.

One of the important pillars in the world of education in Aceh Tamiang Regency is the presence of school supervisors. The number of supervisors for junior high schools in Aceh Tamiang District is relatively limited. The purpose of the study was to analyze the motivation of school supervisors in improving the quality of teachers in Aceh Tamiang District. This qualitative research uses interview, observation, and document techniques. The results of the study indicated that the motivation of school supervisors in improving the quality of education in Aceh Tamiang Regency is very much needed. Their motivation in improving the quality of education in Aceh Tamiang District is a way to achieve eight national education standards. The number of school supervisors for the junior high school level is still very limited when compared to the number of schools. Accordingly, this is the case in Aceh Tamiang District. The existence of school supervisors is important to motivate educators and education staff in the education unit to improve the quality of their work. The quality of education in schools is the responsibility of a supervisor. To solve this problem, a policy should be taken by the local government through the Education and Culture Office of Aceh Tamiang Regency to increase the number of school supervisors for the junior high school level.

Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) is the number of maternal deaths due to the process of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum which is used as an indicator of women's health degrees. The number of maternal deaths in Aceh Tamiang Regency in 2021 is a discrete random variable distributed by Poisson. The purpose of this study is to find out what poisson regression model is generalized in the case of MMR in Aceh Tamiang Regency in 2021 and what factors affect the AKI in Aceh Tamiang Regency in 2021. The research data was obtained from the Aceh Tamiang District Health Office. This type of research is quantitative by using the Generalized Poisson Regression method. The data used are maternal mortality rates and data on factors affecting MMR in Aceh Tamiang Regency in 2021. Influencing factors are the percentage of visits by pregnant women in K1 , percentage of visits by pregnant women K4 , percentage of maternity assistance by health workers , TT immunization of pregnant women , pregnant women who get Fe tablets , and puerperal ministry . Based on the results of research, the factors that affect the maternal mortality rate in Aceh Tamiang Regency in 2021 are TT immunizations for pregnant women (X4) with a p-value of 0.009 which states that for every additional TT immunization of pregnant women by 1%, the average maternal mortality rate also decreases by . The form of the generalized poisson regression model obtained is .

This paper discusses the situation of oil palm plantations in Kecamatan Seruway, Aceh Tamiang. In terms of historical trajectory, the plantations in Kecamatan Seruway have undergone various changes in land ownership, starting from the Dutch colonial era with rubber as the primary commodity, transitioning to involvement with DI/TII members, and eventually obtaining rights as Hak Guna Usaha (HGU) under the name of PT Mopoli Raya. Although some land is owned by the local community bordering the company's HGU, conflicts that arise tend to be related to labor rights perceived as commodities within the oil palm plantation. Using a descriptive qualitative research approach, the results of field research indicate that conflicts in Kecamatan Seruway are closely related to the relationship between the corporate plantation and its workers. While there have been some negotiation efforts by former members of the Oil Palm Workers Union regarding wages, production processes, and inhumane management practices, the primary conflicts appear to revolve around labor issues. However, the oil palm companies are deeply integrated into the daily life of the community, given the overlapping locations with their HGU areas. The presence of these companies has raised awareness that they should provide benefits to the community, whether through corporate social responsibility, local labor recruitment, or smallholder plantation schemes. The community recognizes the importance of playing a role in negotiations with the company, and formal village head positions are considered one means to enhance bargaining power in interactions with the company. However, the 'Ninja' phenomenon, which involves the theft of oil palm fruit within HGU areas, has emerged as a form of resistance to the perceived uneven distribution of benefits from the plantation. Overall, conflicts in Kecamatan Seruway are related to the relationship between the oil palm company and its workers, as well as the community's efforts to obtain benefits from the company's presence. The 'Ninja' phenomenon reflects resistance to the unequal distribution of benefits from the plantation

This study examines the role of smallholder palm oil plantations in the economic development of Aceh Tamiang Regency, Indonesia, a region pivotal to the nation’s palm oil history yet under-researched. Using a quantitative descriptive approach, the research analyzes secondary data (2019–2023) from the Central Statistics Agency and employs Location Quotient (LQ), Growth Ratio Model, and Klassen Typology to evaluate palm oil’s sectoral dominance, growth, and regional positioning. Findings reveal that palm oil is a leading commodity (LQ > 1), with production exceeding local demand and strong growth potential (positive Growth Ratio values). However, labor absorption remains low (LQ < 1), indicating a need for workforce-focused policies. The Klassen Typology classifies the sector as "advanced and rapidly growing," contributing significantly to regional GDP. The study’s novelty lies in its integrated analytical framework and focus on Aceh Tamiang’s unique challenges. Implications suggest enhancing labor opportunities through skill development, diversifying value chains (e.g., biofuel), and adopting sustainable certification (RSPO). This research provides actionable insights for policymakers to optimize palm oil’s economic benefits while addressing labor and sustainability gaps.

The Rumah Kreatif Tamiang program is a forum for creativity and independence of people with disabilities in Aceh Tamiang. People with disabilities have space to develop creativity and skills, improve their lives, and change negative stigma. This program was initiated by PT Pertamina EP Rantau Field and has received several awards. This article discusses the background, goals, implementation, and impact on the lives of people with disabilities. The Rumah Kreatif Tamiang program initiated by PT Pertamina EP Rantau Field is one of the CSR programs that focuses on empowering disabled groups in Aceh Tamiang Regency. This program won the Best and Inspiring CSR and Platinum awards in the Social Impact Category at the E2S Proving League 2023. This article discusses the background, objectives, implementation, and impact of the Rumah Kreatif Tamiang program on the lives of people with disabilities in Aceh Tamiang. Rumah Kreatif Tamiang program is a program that is very beneficial for people with disabilities in Aceh Tamiang. It is proven by the increase in income, the development of new skills, self-empowerment, and a more positive change in stigma against people with disabilities in the area. Hopefully this program can continue to provide great benefits for people with disabilities and the surrounding community.

The Rumah Kreatif Tamiang program is a forum for creativity and independence of people with disabilities in Aceh Tamiang. People with disabilities have space to develop creativity and skills, improve their lives, and change negative stigma. This program was initiated by PT Pertamina EP Rantau Field and has received several awards. This article discusses the background, goals, implementation, and impact on the lives of people with disabilities. The Rumah Kreatif Tamiang program initiated by PT Pertamina EP Rantau Field is one of the CSR programs that focuses on empowering disabled groups in Aceh Tamiang Regency. This program won the Best and Inspiring CSR and Platinum awards in the Social Impact Category at the E2S Proving League 2023. This article discusses the background, objectives, implementation, and impact of the Rumah Kreatif Tamiang program on the lives of people with disabilities in Aceh Tamiang. Rumah Kreatif Tamiang program is a program that is very beneficial for people with disabilities in Aceh Tamiang. It is proven by the increase in income, the development of new skills, self-empowerment, and a more positive change in stigma against people with disabilities in the area. Hopefully this program can continue to provide great benefits for people with disabilities and the surrounding community.

The Rumah Kreatif Tamiang program is a forum for creativity and independence of people with disabilities in Aceh Tamiang. People with disabilities have space to develop creativity and skills, improve their lives, and change negative stigma. This program was initiated by PT Pertamina EP Rantau Field and has received several awards. This article discusses the background, goals, implementation, and impact on the lives of people with disabilities. The Rumah Kreatif Tamiang program initiated by PT Pertamina EP Rantau Field is one of the CSR programs that focuses on empowering disabled groups in Aceh Tamiang Regency. This program won the Best and Inspiring CSR and Platinum awards in the Social Impact Category at the E2S Proving League 2023. This article discusses the background, objectives, implementation, and impact of the Rumah Kreatif Tamiang program on the lives of people with disabilities in Aceh Tamiang. Rumah Kreatif Tamiang program is a program that is very beneficial for people with disabilities in Aceh Tamiang. It is proven by the increase in income, the development of new skills, self-empowerment, and a more positive change in stigma against people with disabilities in the area. Hopefully this program can continue to provide great benefits for people with disabilities and the surrounding community.

Abstract. Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) and rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) plantations cover large areas of former rainforest in Sumatra, Indonesia, supplying the global demand for these crops. Although forest conversion is known to influence soil nitrous oxide (N2O) and nitric oxide (NO) fluxes, measurements from oil palm and rubber plantations are scarce (for N2O) or nonexistent (for NO). Our study aimed to (1) quantify changes in soil–atmosphere fluxes of N oxides with forest conversion to rubber and oil palm plantations and (2) determine their controlling factors. In Jambi, Sumatra, we selected two landscapes that mainly differed in texture but were both on heavily weathered soils: loam and clay Acrisol soils. Within each landscape, we investigated lowland forests, rubber trees interspersed in secondary forest (termed as jungle rubber), both as reference land uses and smallholder rubber and oil palm plantations as converted land uses. In the loam Acrisol landscape, we conducted a follow-on study in a large-scale oil palm plantation (called PTPN VI) for comparison of soil N2O fluxes with smallholder oil palm plantations. Land-use conversion to smallholder plantations had no effect on soil N-oxide fluxes (P = 0. 58 to 0.76) due to the generally low soil N availability in the reference land uses that further decreased with land-use conversion. Soil N2O fluxes from the large-scale oil palm plantation did not differ with those from smallholder plantations (P = 0. 15). Over 1-year measurements, the temporal patterns of soil N-oxide fluxes were influenced by soil mineral N and water contents. Across landscapes, annual soil N2O emissions were controlled by gross nitrification and sand content, which also suggest the influence of soil N and water availability. Soil N2O fluxes (µg N m−2 h−1) were 7 ± 2 to 14 ± 7 (reference land uses), 6 ± 3 to 9 ± 2 (rubber), 12 ± 3 to 12 ± 6 (smallholder oil palm) and 42 ± 24 (large-scale oil palm). Soil NO fluxes (µg N m−2 h−1) were −0.6 ± 0.7 to 5.7 ± 5.8 (reference land uses), −1.2 ± 0.5 to −1.0 ± 0.2 (rubber) and −0.2 ± 1.2 to 0.7 ± 0.7 (smallholder oil palm). To improve the estimate of soil N-oxide fluxes from oil palm plantations in this region, studies should focus on large-scale plantations (which usually have 2 to 4 times higher N fertilization rates than smallholders) with frequent measurements following fertilizer application.