Plantation Workers Research Articles

“Ruma Besi” Site as a Media Learning History at Madrasah Aliyah Sairun, Rhun Islands-Banda Naira

The purpose of this study is to show how the historical site "Ruma Besi" in Madrasah Aliyah in the Banda Islands can be utilized as a learning resource for Sejarah Indonesia. This study used a qualitative descriptive method. The results of field observations and relevant reference sources served as the basis for the source consulted for this study. The results show that the historical site "Ruma Besi" (iron house) is a British and Dutch colonial house that originally functioned as the home of the owner of a nutmeg plantation, or Perkenier. Even though only rubble remains, residents said the house was made of iron, starting with supporting pillars, walls, doors, windows, and roofs. Residents of Rhun Island today know it better as a "house of entertainment" because the site reminds them more of the attractions of Javanese dancers accompanied by Javanese music, which always decorated the afternoon breaks of nutmeg plantation workers at that time. The process of utilizing the historical site "Ruma Besi" as a learning resource for Indonesian history for Madrasah students is carried out by imagining historical facts about Indonesia in the past through a simple research step or discovery inquiry, which allows students to be directly involved as actors in activities. Historical discovery and study. This process is very beneficial for a complete understanding of historical material because of its closeness to the locus and its direct involvement in learning and introducing historical information. Keywords: Ruma Besi, Media Learning History, Rhun Island, Banda Naira

‘Tea Tribe’ or ‘Scheduled Tribe’?: Vexed Adivasi Identity in Assam

The Adivasi communities in Assam—Oraons, Mundas, Khariyas, Santals and Gonds—originally 19th century-migrant tea plantation workers from middle India, are locally called ‘tea-tribes’, or chah jonogoshti in Assamese. While their counterparts in the original place have been listed as Scheduled Tribes since 1950, they are categorised as Other Backward Classes. Like other Adivasis, the Assam Adivasis claim that they are the indigenous people of India and should be recognised so in the adopted home of Assam. The local tribal groups and others, while conceding that the Adivasis are tribe originally, resist the claim on the plea that they alone are the sons of the soil of the region. Adivasi settlers’ contribution to the making of modern Assam is disregarded and they are construed as migrant intruders. This article discusses the political overtone of claim and counterclaim since the beginning of the ‘scheduling’ of the Indian tribe in 1950. It outlines how the ‘scheduling’ method successively disqualified the Assam Adivasis’ claim. The politics of denial by the local groups in Assam has assumed militant arrogance, resulting in violence against the Adivasis.

The Cultural Ostracism Of Indian Nepalis And Their Crusade For Identity In The Indian Landscape

India is a land of diverse cultures, witnessing a massive influx of people from all ages. Many historical events in the past led to the migration of various ethnicities from the neighbouring countries in India. One of the significant events was the 'Anglo-Nepalis war' of 1814 followed by the acquisition of Darjeeling by the British in the year 1835, which led to the massive migration of Nepalis1 into India. The large-scale influx resulted from the 'British colonial' demand for brave soldiers and plantation workers for tea estates. Later in 1950, the 'open border' concept in the India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship, added to the migration history. Since then, the Nepalis have dispersed and become a part of the social structure of Indian society. In the early 19th century, the influx was mainly of the janajatis2 (indigenous people) from Nepal and a few groups geographically belonging to the Himalayan areas. The immigrants geographically dispersed themselves in the areas bordering India and Nepal. Their diaspora resulted in a shift in their lifestyle and culture. At present, they are widespread in various parts of India, struggling to create a niche identity for themselves. Though they belong to India, they are not socially recognized as Indian. To an extent, the contribution of Indian-Nepalis to the military is prevalent but what remains unknown is the question of their identity of being 'an Indian'. Therefore, this paper intends to explore the Indian Nepali community’s contribution to India, the intercultural exchange, their influence on Indian cuisine and culture, and their fight for acceptance as true Indians in their own nation. Further, by examining the socio-cultural dynamics, the community’s migration pattern, and processes of cultural assimilation, this study aims to highlight the community’s efforts to overcome marginalisation and assert their identity within the broader Indian landscape

Settler Homesteading, Hawaiian Homesteading, and the Failed Mission of Americanization in Early Territorial Hawai'i

Abstract: In the early twentieth century, the US federal government created homesteading programs to "Americanize" Hawai'i by encouraging the mass settlement of white families "of good character" to Hawai'i, but to little avail. This essay analyzes a 1912 hearing about the failure of white homesteading in the Territory of Hawai'i, focusing on discourses of race and land use by settler and 'Ōiwi testifiers. Federal leaders and Territory proponents of homesteading mapped the familiar racial formations of vanishing Natives, alien Asians, and white pioneers onto Kānaka 'Ōiwi, Asian plantation workers, and white American homesteaders to further their cause. 'Ōiwi political leaders Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana'ole and Charles Kahiliaulani Notley intervened; although they approached the question of "Americanization" differently from one another, both manipulated and rejected elements of that racial framework according to a shared goal: to get their people back on the land.

Carbon Stock Estimation of Compensatory Afforestation Plantation Work in Balod District of Chhattisgarh, India

This paper encapsulates the findings of carbon stock assessment of compensatory afforestation work done in Balod District of Chhattisgarh. Under the State CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority) scheme, the afforestation project aims to enhance the local environment, create employment opportunities for the villagers of Armarikala, and provide fodder for nearby farmers' cattle. This initiative not only address the ecological impact of the power transmission line construction but also align with sustainable development goals by providing socio-economic benefits to the local community. The study aimed to quantify the biomass and carbon sequestration potential of diverse tree species in the Compensatory Afforestation Plantation Work in Balod District of Chhattisgarh. The carbon stock data highlights the significance of different tree species, with Terminalia arjuna emerging as a major contributor, sequestering 3,814.2 kg followed by Dalbergia sissoo with 2616.7 kg of carbon in the surveyed area. The carbon stock assessment in Balod District of Chhattisgarh demonstrates the significant ecological and socio-economic benefits of the compensatory afforestation project under the State CAMPA scheme. The findings underscore the project's alignment with sustainable development goals, enhancing both environmental health and local livelihoods.

Manjolai Estate Conflict in Tirunelveli District - A Historical Survey

Abstract: The tea estates of Manjolai, Kakkachi, Nalumukku, Oothu and Kuthiravetti are situated in the hills of Ambasamudram in Tirunelveli District. Middlemen of the employers brought people of Scheduled Caste communities from Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi regions and the Ezhava people from various parts of Kerala to work as labourers in the estates. The labourers are overseen by the Supervisors addressed as ‘Kangani’ who in turn are answerable to field officers called as Ayya, and they work under Estate Managers respectfully called Durai. The Estate Managers are usually from other states such as Karnataka and Punjab, and the Officers are from other districts in the State. In the year 1948, the Tamil Nadu Estates (Abolition and Conversion to Ryotwari) Act was enacted, and consequentially the Singampatti Zamin’s lands too came under the control of the Government. As a result, in the year 1952, BBTC had to renew its lease contract with the then Congress-led government in Tamil Nadu. Even though decades have passed, many of the demands raised by the labourers still remain unfulfilled. In painful contrast to the fresh leaves of tea that they pluck in the scenic hills up in Manjolai, the lives of the Tea Estate labourers remain as barren as a desert. The deceased workers were employed at the Bombay Burma Trading Corporation’s (BBTC) tea estates in Manjolai. Manjolai labourers massacre or Thamirabarani massacre of 23 July 1999 was the death of 17 Dalit labourers, including two women and a two-year- old child, when they got into the river to escape Tamil Nadu Police lathi-charge. Public were going in procession to Tirunelveli Collectorate to submit a memorandum demanding wage settlement for the tea plantation workers of Manjolai estate. An altercation between the police and the marchers resulted in a lathi charge by police. When the marchers ran helter-skelter, many fell into the river and died.Human Rights Watch condemned the brutal police attack and killing of Dalit tea plantation workers

Enhancing Sustainability in the Plantation Sector: Identifying and Addressing Technological Gaps through Survey-Based Analysis

The sustainability of the plantation sector is a serious challenge, involving the identification and closure of technology gaps that prevent the adoption of sustainable methods. This research investigates these gaps and their implications, to improve sectoral sustainability. A survey of 16 respondents from plantation workers who have varied backgrounds, including varying levels of experience and employment titles, was used to obtain insights into the technology infrastructure that supports sustainable practices. The findings reveal diverse perceptions: 43.8% of respondents believe their access to modern technology is adequate, while 18.8% disagree. 50% expressed confidence in the current system's capability to support sustainable practices. About 37.5% believe their organizations invest appropriately in technology, but 50% see room for improvement. Training appears to be another issue where 37.5% agree that employees receive adequate training but 25% disagree. These responses highlight the necessity for comprehensive strategies to address these barriers. The study highlights the significance of ongoing research, development, and the incorporation of practical solutions into the plantation sector. Collaboration among stakeholders, is critical for developing supportive policies, investing in technology, and increasing capacity for sustainable practices.

Instructional Conversations for Equitable Participation to Challenge Deficit Views of Pidgin in Hawai‘i

ABSTRACT Hawaiʻi Creole, known as “Pidgin,” developed when speakers of various languages came to the islands as plantation workers and their children grew up speaking Pidgin. Discrimination toward Pidgin influenced language policies that marginalized Pidgin and its speakers. This study focused on four teachers’ perspectives of Pidgin and its marginalization and use in classrooms. The educators were engaged in professional development on small group discussion. Data sources included transcripts of discussions about Pidgin and its use in the classroom, teachers’ written reflections, and comments on each other’s reflections. Results indicated that the teachers observed the perpetuation of negative views about Pidgin. One teacher recounted that she initially appropriated these negative ideas, but changed her views while in college. Although some were initially unsure about Pidgin’s role in their classrooms, by the end of the professional development they appeared to have positive views about promoting all of their students’ linguistic repertoires.

The Practice of Hinduism in Malaysia

This study investigates the vibrant expression of Hinduism in Malaysia, focusing on the Indian diaspora that has predominantly settled in the region over the last three to four generations. The Indian community, initially brought in during the colonial era for work in plantations and construction, has managed to maintain a distinct cultural and religious identity through the establishment of temples, vernacular schools, and cultural institutions such as drama-sheds. These institutions play a pivotal role in preserving and fostering communal bonds. Methods and Methodology: This research employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating fieldwork and library studies. Fieldwork includes participant observation and in-depth interviews with community members, religious leaders, and cultural practitioners. The library study involves an extensive review of historical records, religious texts, and contemporary scholarly works on Hinduism in Malaysia. This dual approach enables a comprehensive understanding of the socio-religious dynamics within the community. Implications: The study highlights the critical role of subaltern social institutions in promoting cultural cohesion and continuity among the Malaysian Hindu community. It reveals how these institutions have enabled the community to navigate and adapt to historical and contemporary challenges, ensuring the preservation of their cultural and religious heritage. The findings contribute to broader discussions on migration, cultural resilience, and the integration of traditional practices within modern societal frameworks. This research underscores the importance of recognizing and supporting the role of community-driven institutions in sustaining cultural diversity and religious pluralism in multicultural societies.

Assessment of musculoskeletal disorders among palm oil farmers with SNI 9011:2021 in Muara Wahau

Indonesia is the world's largest producer of palm oil, with millions of hectares of plantations. However, along with the growth of the palm oil industry, various challenges and issues related to the worker welfare have emerged. One important issue is musculoskeletal disorders or health problems associated with work in palm oil plantations. Workers in palm oil plantations are often exposed to heavy and repetitive work conditions, such as carrying heavy loads, performing monotonous movements, and working in non-ergonomic positions. These factors can increase the risk of musculoskeletal disorders, such as back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, and other health issues. Therefore, this research aims to evaluate existing musculoskeletal disorders and provide recommendations for improvement and management of ergonomic risks in PT. DSN in Muara Wahau. The research methods include direct observation of palm oil farmers during their work, structured interviews to gather information on complaints and ergonomic risks, and the use of ergonomic analysis methods in accordance with the SNI 9011:2021 standard. The data obtained will be analyzed to identify ergonomic risk factors contributing to musculoskeletal disorders. The results of this study showed that all of palm oil harvesting workers experienced high risk level on their neck, while all of palm oil transportation workers encountered high risk on their elbow. Stretching or warm-up exercises before and after work were recommended to reduce the risk of injuries caused by non-ergonomic work positions among harvesting workers. Furthermore, redesigning Hook-T was recommended in order to minimize the MSD among palm oil transportation workers.

Pak Rama’s Education as a Prevention of Dehydration and Non-Communicable Diseases among Workers in Hot Working Environments

Working in a hot environment can disrupt the balance of body temperature so that the body tries hardly to control the heat which can cause a lack of fluids and is called dehydration. Dehydration can affect cognitive performance, causing decreased productivity and increased risk of work accidents, and in the long term can trigger some non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, urinary tract disease, obesity and others. Pak Rama Education (Active Workers Diligently Drink Water) is an educational and empowerment activity for the worker community, especially those who work in hot environments, in an effort to prevent dehydration and non-communicable diseases. The aim of this activity was to increase workers' knowledge about healthy hydration and increase workers' ability to assess hydration status independently. This activity was carried out using the education method about healthy hydration and a demonstration of how to assess hydration status using a urine color chart. Pak Rama's activity was held on 17th November 2022 at PTPN VII Unit Way Berulu South Lampung. The participants were 50 workers consisting of management officers, factory and plantation workers. From the evaluation results, it was found that the average pre-test score of participants was 66.7 and there was an increase of participants' knowledge about healthy hydration which was seen from the increase in the average score on the post-test, namely 86.6. Based on analysis using the Wilcoxon test, it was found that there was a statistically significant difference between average pretest and posttest scores. The results of the assessment of participants' ability to assess hydration status using a urine color chart were also found increase. Pak Rama's education has proven effective in increasing workers' knowledge about healthy hydration and their ability to assess hydration status independently. Keywords: Healthy hydration; worker’s health; Pak Rama education; non-communicable diseases; urine color chart

THE INFLUENCE OF MOTIVATION, WORK DISCIPLINE AND WORK ENVIRONMENT ON THE WORK PRODUCTIVITY OF PT PERKEBUNAN MINANGA OGAN EMPLOYEES IN THE REGIONAL OFFICE SECTION

Abstract: Employee misconduct at PT Minanga Ogan Plantation is evident in the employees' tardiness and mishandling of break time. Additionally, employees' laziness, boredom, and lack of desire cause delays in their work. Increasing staff productivity requires more focus. This study aims to investigate the effects of work environment, work discipline, and motivation on worker productivity at the regional office of PT Minanga Ogan Plantation. 37 respondents made up the study's population, and questionnaire distribution was the method of data collection. Quantitative research methodologies are employed in this study. Descriptive and verification approaches were employed in data analysis techniques. The analysis in this study shows that, in the PT. Minanga Ogan Plantation Regional Office, work environment (X3) has no effect on productivity, whereas motivation (X1) and discipline (X2) each have an impact. At the PT Minanga Ogan Plantation Regional Office, motivation, work discipline, and work environment all contribute 64.9% to employee productivity, according to the coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.643. There are additional elements like pay, communication, and training that could affect the remaining 35.1%. To increase productivity, a comprehensive strategy that takes into consideration other variables influencing worker performance is required.

Costumes of the migrating body: A study of indentured labors’ clothes and jewelry

The years 1838–1924 in colonial India saw the first organized exodus of around 1.5 million. These emigrants were employed as indentured laborers in the various plantations owned by the Empire. Along with the people, what migrated were objects like clothes and jewelry. While some of these items were provided by the plantation regimes, others were brought by the emigrants. Though there have been studies about the lives on the plantations, the marine lives of the travelers and their personal belongings have been neglected. Objects such as clothes and jewelry not only have cultural significance but also form part of the emigrants’ memory. This article critically analyses the usage of cultural artifacts as “floating signifiers” and how these artifacts are altered with a change of setting. Building on the ideas of Bhabha, Skinner, and others, this article aims to understand the role of material possessions in the lives of the plantation workers. The narratives discussed allow readers to witness changes in the role of materials like clothes and jewelry accompanying the emigrants on their voyage to the plantations.

Identification of fungal disease in Vainilla planofolia Jacks plants in the central zone of the state of Veracruz.

The state of Veracruz is the main producer of vanilla in Mexico. In recent years, this crop has been seriously affected by serious phytosanitary problems caused mainly by fungal pathogens. For this reason, it was proposed to develop the present work with the objective of determining the causal agents of the disease, incidence, and severity observed in a vanilla plantation located in the locality "El Palmar," Municipality Emiliano Zapata, Veracruz. A census sampling was carried out on one hectare of the plantation to determine the incidence of the disease. Disease severity per plant was determined using a 4-grade scale. Leaves and stems with disease symptoms were collected for morphological description of the pathogenic agents by scanning electron microscopy. The results showed the presence of two species of phytopathogenic fungi, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vanillae and Puccinia sinanoemea, known to cause root rot and rust diseases in vanilla. The infection culminated in the deaths of most of the plantation workers. The incidence was classified as severe (4-grade), with 80% infestation by both pathogens. This study contributes to understanding the phytosanitary problems faced by the crop with mixed infections of fungal pathogens.

Towards a sustainable business model for rubber agroforestry in Indonesia

Agroforestry systems, particularly rubber agroforests, are crucial for Dayak communities in Indonesia, providing economic benefits and vital assets for their livelihoods. Two common types in Simpang Dua sub-district are tembawang (traditional fruit gardens) and rubber agroforests. Both have flourished for generations but they now face threats of conversion due to declining rubber prices and the oil palm boom. Tembawang is considered more resilient due to better protection of tenure rights under local customary law and its greater provision of socioeconomic benefits. In some instances, rubber agroforests are only maintained because of their deep rooted social and cultural importance, but they have potential to still be economically valuable. Rubber agroforests can provide a diversified income, offering resilience against volatile rubber markets, and although oil palm provides higher income in the short term, rubber agroforests can provide higher income over the entire system cycle. Long-term financing is essential to improve yields and product quality, to support smallholder rubber agroforests, but obtaining this type of financing is difficult. Obstacles include low rubber prices, poor-quality latex, a lack of productivity of agroforestry crops and low attention from investors, financiers, and markets. Non-commercial financial support, including technical support, could help strengthen farming practices and market-based instruments, including carbon payments, could help stabilise farmers' income. The expansion, however, of large-scale oil palm plantations has shifted the rural labour force from rubber smallholders to plantation workers. Efforts to address these challenges include the establishment of a rubber processing and collective marketing unit, UPPB, to improve market access and prices for smallholder farmers. Founded in 2022, the unit aims to arrange collective marketing and provide technical capacity for farmers to meet the specifications of Standard Indonesia Rubber. By aggregating rubber slabs, farmers can earn up to 25% higher prices than individual farmers, but irregular supplies from farmers and low prices are affecting their success. Despite facing challenges, local farmers' groups remain resilient in organising themselves to improve their systems with the support of NGOs. Commitment from government and private sector stakeholders is additionally needed to further promote sustainable and inclusive rubber agroforestry businesses.

Effects of COVID-19 on Tea Plantation Workers in India: Issues of Labour Market Institutions

Effects of COVID-19 on Tea Plantation Workers in India: Issues of Labour Market Institutions

Child’s Right Protection in Cameroon

Children are human beings below the age of 18 years. They are distinctive and privileged since they are a vulnerable group of human beings. Children have human rights such as the right to education, health and a standard of living. These rights have to be respected and protected. As per the Triple Prong Theory of Protect, Promote and Fulfil, it is the responsibility of the state to ensure that its citizens enjoy their human rights. The ideas that animated children’s right movement developed after the Second World War and the atrocities of The Holocaust. Children are often victims of bad treatment, negative social and cultural practices, sexual abuse and all forms of economic hazardous exploitation. This research exposes child labour as a major infringement of child rights that needs to be eliminated. Children engage in this activity out of desperation or are forced. Although they are coming from poor families, some of them have to work. Others are trafficked and forced to work in plantations while others are in commercial sexual exploitation. It therefore becomes necessary to investigate on activities violating children’s rights and possible mechanisms. This paper makes use of an in-depth analysis of International legal instruments protecting children’s rights at the international level. These international legal instruments are ratified and applied with other national instruments protecting children’s rights, yet, these rights are still violated. It is recommended that measures should be taken to intensify the fight against child labour in the area of education. Cameroon has a good legal framework for the protection of children’s rights. However, child labour which is manifested in its various forms only suggests that more is expected from the government in protecting children’s rights.

Changing Livelihoods, Development, and Cultural Practices: Reshaping Forests Among the Tau Taa Vana People

The Tau Taa Vana people live in the Bulang Highlands, Tojo Una-Una, in Central Sulawesi Province. The region's development has shaped the marginalization of forest-dwelling and forest-adjacent communities. From the 1980s to the 1990s, illegal logging networks served as the power holders, backed by Indonesia’s authoritarian regime of that time. Illegal logging destroyed a large part of the Tau Taa Vana's sacred forest (pengale kapali). As part of the massive logging agenda, the government launched many legal programs that further isolated the Tau Taa Vana people from their land. The first program was transmigration in 1995-1998, which converted sacred forests into plantation areas and worker camps. Meanwhile, the Tau Taa Vana people were forced to relocate from their forest livelihoods (pengale lipu). In 2014, development shifted towards government-supported gold and nickel extraction identified in the Tau Taa Vana people's traditional regions. The government's planned material extraction of the region has forced the Tau Taa Vana people to adapt traditional environmental management systems. In the past, the forest had three main functions, as the source of food, medicine, and livelihoods. Nowadays, those functions are reduced drastically and the sacred forest with the Kaju Marangka'a region as the center has lost its cultural importance. Tau Taa Vana people today use the remaining forests as the center of their resistance movements and consider it as their last bastion for cultural preservation. In this regard, the role of traditional healers (tau valia) has become even more critical amidst the lack of traditional elders.

Working Hours and Personal Protective Equipment Effect on Blood Cholinesterase Levels of Tobacco Plantation Workers

Introduction: Tobacco production is increasing in certain regions of Indonesia due to its high economic value. Tobacco and its products can have harmful effects on the health of consumers, producers and processing workers. Analysis of blood samples has shown that tobacco farmers are at risk of developing occupational diseases related to pesticide exposure and nicotine absorption through the epidermis of wet tobacco leaves. The aim of this study was to compare blood cholinesterase levels in tobacco plantation workers in relation to their working hours and use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in ten subdistricts in Jember district, Indonesia, and included 50 participants selected using proportional sampling. Spearman’s test was used to analyse the relationship between variables. Results: The significance value of the relationship based on Spearman’s test between working hours and blood cholinesterase levels of tobacco farmers in Jember was 0.058 > α (0.05). Meanwhile, the significance value of the relationship between working hours and complete blood count, specifically mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), was 0.00 < α (0.05), and between PPE use and blood cholinesterase levels was 0.035 < α (0.05). Conclusion: Working hours were not associated with blood cholinesterase levels, but were associated with blood MCHC levels. Meanwhile, the use of PPE was found to be associated with cholinesterase levels in tobacco farmers.

The Chinese guideline for management of snakebites.

In 2009, the World Health Organization included snakebite on the list of neglected tropical diseases, acknowledging it as a common occupational hazard for farmers, plantation workers, and others, causing tens of thousands of deaths and chronic physical disabilities every year. This guideline aims to provide practical information to help clinical professionals evaluate and treat snakebite victims. These recommendations are based on clinical experience and clinical research evidence. This guideline focuses on the following topics: snake venom, clinical manifestations, auxiliary examination, diagnosis, treatments, and prevention.