The Charm of Pinapple from Sei Panking Peat Forest, a Blessing from Disaster

Sei Pakning – Behind the land and forest fire disaster, there is a great wisdom for those who mourn. This expression is at least perceived by the people of Sei (river) Pakning which was hit by fire that eradicate six hectares of land

In 2012 the “red rooster” mercilessly gobbled up peatlands, and it happens almost every year. The people running around almost every day to extinguish the fire with water or things that can help extinguished it.

Now, those stories are long gone. Since two years ago, the grief is over. With the joint effort of Pertamina, citizen and Pertamina RU II production Sei Panking, the disaster can be overcome with Karlahut (Land and Forest Fire) Community Based Mitigation Program and Integrated Pinapple Farming Areas.

Starting 2015, through the program, community accompanied by the government and Pertamina RU II Production Sei Pakning will drive prevention of land and forest fire in Bukit Batu region through over land function.

Together with LPPM Universitas Sebelas Maret, Pertamina Production Sei Pakning conduct accompaniment for farmers through community empowerment, by converting bushland as a remnants of fire, become peat pinaple agriculture area and diversification of pinaple processed products.

GM Pertamina RU II Production, Otto Gerentaka, said that since this program was implemented, there is a 4,5% increase in pineapple agriculture with potential income of 20 million/ month from sales results and processed pineapple products in 2017.

Previously, from from three hectares with three farmers and 10 cultivators, the result of the harvest reach 10.000 pcs/Hectare with Grade A-B (85%) and C (15%), with total group from the selling reach Rp 17 million /harvest.

“Until today, cultivation effort is pretty promising and it is projected to be 15 hectares in the upcoming year. Pertamina hoped that Pinapple Peat Agricultural Center can be a characteristic of Sei Pakning,” said Otto.

Samsul, Head of Tunas Makmur Farmer as Pertamina partner justify that fact. He then admits that since its first initiation, people are more motivated to switch function peat land to pinapple agriculture because the addition value is higher.

Tunas Makmur Farmers have 27 members. The men run agricultural activities, while the women produce processed pinapples product. Their flagship products are Peat Pinapple Crackers and candied pineapple.

In the beginning of land conversion in 2015, communities including Tunas Makmur Farmers conduct land management activities by utilizing critical lands to be productive. Starting from the management of chili and banana plantations in Batang Duku area of 2 hectares. Furthermore, the management of pinaple garden in Kampung Jawa Village is around eight hectares. "We are grateful that the disaster that once saddled, is now a hope of prosperity for the future of Sei Pakning village," said Samsul optimistic.