Local community’s perceptions on the impact of PT WAI oil palm plantation, South Sumatra Province

The expansion of oil palm plantations has socio-economic and environmental impacts on local communities. In 2018, palm oil production reached 27,586.7 tons, highlighting its economic importance. However, the industry often leads to deforestation, biodiversity loss, and social conflicts due to inadequate community consultation, land tenure issues, and insufficient compensation. Understanding community perceptions of these impacts is crucial for developing sustainable practices and policies that balance economic growth with ecological and social well-being. This study was conducted to determine the perception of the community around the oil palm plantation. The research was conducted from August 2019 to April 2020 in Pulau Geronggang and Sedyo Mulyo villages, South Sumatra. Data were collected through questionnaires using accidental sampling, targeting individuals familiar with conditions before and after plantation establishment. The results showed that respondents were dominated by transmigrants (59.52%) who mostly depended on oil palm for a living, with a main income ranging from IDR 1.5 - 3.5 million. In general, the community considered the environmental, social, and economic impacts of oil palm plantations to be positive. The existence of PT WAI is considered to be able to increase the number of jobs and household income, and help meet family needs. From a social aspect, the community considered the existence of PT WAI positive because it did not have the potential to cause conflict between residents or with the plantation. In addition, the existence of plantations is also considered capable of increasing community empowerment through plasma plantations. Although the smoke from fires at PT WAI is considered disturbing (33.33%), the community considers that PT WAI does not cause land fires (71.6%) and does not clear land by burning (63.3%). The community also considers that PT WAI is capable of providing habitat for wildlife, and the presence of this wildlife does not disturb the community.