The Role of Oil Palm Plantations in Improving the Economy of the People of Dusun Raja Village, North Bengkulu

Abstract

Initially, the people of Dusun Raja village in North Bengkulu mostly worked as rubber farmers. From the rubber income, the community experienced economic difficulties. This was due to the low price of rubber which caused the community's needs to be unmet. However, after the existence of this oil palm plantation there were many changes in the condition of the village, because the price of oil palm was higher than rubber. The purpose of the study was to determine the role of oil palm plantations in improving the economy of the village community of Dusun Raja as measured by the factors of employment, income, education, food and shelter needs and improvement of infrastructure and village facilities. The method used is a descriptive qualitative approach by collecting data through interviews and observation methods. The number of informants was 4 people consisting of 2 oil palm farmers, 1 village official, 1 oil palm farm laborer. The results of this study indicate that the existence of oil palm plantations has a role in improving the economy of the village community. With the existence of oil palm plantations can provide opportunities, create jobs, increase income, and increase public awareness of the meaning of education and increase village facilities and infrastructure. So that currently the plantation sector is an option to change the family economy, because the interest in the development of oil palm plantations is still high, so the government has an important role in improving the economy of the community around the village of Dusun Raja North Bengkulu.