Analisis Kendala Program Peremajaan Sawit Rakyat Terhadap Potensi Pertumbuhan Ekonomi Petani Sawit Rakyat di Kabupaten Batu Bara

Abstract

The People's Palm Oil Replanting (PSR) program is an initiative by the Indonesian government to increase the productivity of old or unproductive oil palm plantations. Batu Bara District, North Sumatra, is one of the regions with great potential in the oil palm plantation sector, but the implementation of the PSR program in this region faces various obstacles. Constraints such as high costs, complicated administrative processes, and farmers' lack of trust in the effectiveness of the program often hinder the success of the PSR. This study aims to analyze the constraints faced in the implementation of the PSR program in Batu Bara District and its impact on the economic growth of smallholder oil palm farmers in the region. This research uses a quantitative approach with an explanatory method to identify the relationship between various variables that affect the implementation of the PSR. Data were collected through surveys and interviews with oil palm smallholders involved in the PSR program in two main sub-districts, namely Datuk Tanah Datar and Laut Tador. The data analysis technique used was multiple linear regression with the help of SPSS 21 software. The variables analyzed included administrative constraints, land availability, human resources, infrastructure, and sustainability factors. The results showed that administrative constraints, such as the complex process of processing documents and the lack of ownership of land certificates by farmers, were one of the main factors that slowed down the implementation of the program. In addition, the lack of access to adequate technology and training is also a barrier for farmers to increase their productivity. Inadequate infrastructure, such as poor road access and a lack of supporting facilities, also affects the effectiveness of the PSR program. However, these constraints did not show a significant effect on the economic growth of smallholder oil palm farmers in this region, based on the regression tests conducted. Nevertheless, this study found that the sustainability of the PSR program and capacity building of farmers through education and training can have a positive impact on the productivity and welfare of oil palm farmers in the long run. This study provides recommendations for the local government and relevant stakeholders to focus on simplifying the administrative process, increasing access to technology, and improving infrastructure to support the success of the PSR program in Batu Bara District. By addressing these constraints, PSR has great potential to improve local economic growth and the welfare of smallholder oil palm farmers in the region.