SURGA KENTANG RANU PANI - Ekspedisi Indonesia Biru #11

Summary

This video explores Ranupani, the last village before Mount Semeru in Lumajang, located within the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. The village faces challenges as population growth strains its limited 500 hectares of farmland, while erosion from farming threatens soil fertility. Although potato farming has brought prosperity to some, environmental concerns and land degradation are growing. The government aims to transform Ranupani into a tourist village, but locals are divided on this shift. The tension between agriculture and tourism development is highlighted as the village seeks sustainable economic alternatives.

Takeaways

• 🌳 Ranupani village is the last village before Mount Semeru, located within the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park.
• 🌾 The agricultural land in Ranupani is limited to 500 hectares due to its status as a conservation area, and expansion of farmland is prohibited.
• 👨‍🌾 Despite a growing population of 1,300 residents, the village's agricultural land remains the same, causing reliance on crops like potatoes for economic stability.
• 🏞️ The government aims to transform Ranupani into a tourist village, as the national park is one of the top 10 tourist destinations targeted for foreign visitors.
• 💰 Potato farming is lucrative, with farmers like Suko earning up to IDR 10 million every 4-5 months from one hectare of land.
• 🌱 Farmers are creating their own seed beds to increase productivity, with each potato plant's seed worth IDR 3,000.
• 🛑 Erosion threatens the fertile soil of Ranupani, as traditional terracing methods to prevent erosion are being abandoned by modern farmers.
• 🚜 New farming methods focus on maximizing land use, which has led to the degradation of soil fertility, posing long-term risks to agricultural sustainability.
• 🌊 Sediment from eroded land is filling the Ranupani Lake, which has lost significant depth and could disappear within five years if current trends continue.
• 🎯 Transforming Ranupani into a tourist village is seen as an alternative source of income, but requires strong community commitment and careful environmental management.

Q & A

What is Ranupani, and where is it located?

Ranupani is a small village located near Mount Semeru in the Lumajang district of Indonesia. It is situated within the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park and covers an area of 500 hectares.

Why is land expansion difficult in Ranupani?

Land expansion in Ranupani is almost impossible because the village is located within a protected national park area. Expanding agricultural land would mean encroaching on forested areas that are meant to be preserved.

What challenges do farmers in Ranupani face with the limited agricultural land?

Despite an increasing population, the available agricultural land remains the same. This limits productivity, and farmers have to make the most of the existing land, leading them to seek alternative ways to maintain their livelihoods.

How is the government addressing the challenges in Ranupani?

The government is working on transforming Ranupani into a tourist village to provide alternative economic opportunities. The Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park is a top tourist destination, and they aim to increase foreign tourist visits.

How do farmers like Suko adapt to these challenges?

Farmers like Suko are adapting by producing their own potato seeds and improving their farming techniques. Suko, for instance, has developed his own seedling process to boost production on his limited land.

What traditional farming techniques were used by the ancestors of Ranupani villagers?

The ancestors of Ranupani villagers used terracing techniques to prevent soil erosion on the steep slopes of their farmland. This method helped maintain the fertility of the land by preventing water runoff from washing away topsoil.

What impact is erosion having on the agricultural land in Ranupani?

Erosion is a significant issue in Ranupani, where steep farmland, now without terracing, loses valuable topsoil during heavy rains. This has reduced soil fertility and threatens the long-term productivity of the land.

What is the condition of the Ranupani Lake, and how is it affected by farming practices?

Ranupani Lake is facing sedimentation due to soil erosion from surrounding farmland. The lake's depth has decreased significantly over the past decade, and without intervention, it could disappear within five years.

What are the economic benefits of potato farming in Ranupani?

Potato farming can be highly profitable in Ranupani. Farmers like Suko can earn up to IDR 30 million from 1.5 hectares of land in a single harvest, with harvests occurring every 4-5 months.

What are the potential drawbacks of turning Ranupani into a tourist village?

While tourism offers economic benefits, there are concerns about whether it will truly meet the needs of local farmers. Transforming the village into a tourist destination without addressing the underlying agricultural issues could lead to future problems.