Ekspedisi Indonesia Biru: Surga Kentang Ranu Pani

Summary

This video explores the village of Ranupani, situated in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in Indonesia, facing challenges of land erosion and population growth. Despite the economic benefits of potato farming, locals struggle with soil depletion and the decline of traditional farming methods. The government pushes for Ranupani to become a tourism destination, aiming to create jobs while preserving local culture. However, the villagers' concerns about sustainable farming and environmental impacts complicate the transition. The video raises questions about whether tourism will truly benefit the community or just exacerbate existing issues.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ranupani is a village located at the foot of Mount Semeru, within the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in Lumajang, Indonesia.
• 😀 The village is a small agricultural community with about 1300 residents, predominantly relying on potato farming as their main source of income.
• 😀 Sukodono, a local farmer, innovates by growing and propagating his own potato seeds, increasing his yields and income through personal initiative and traditional knowledge.
• 😀 Farmers in Ranupani typically grow potatoes on steep land, which increases the risk of soil erosion, making sustainability a concern for future generations.
• 😀 The traditional farming method in Ranupani was terracing, designed to prevent soil erosion, but many farmers are abandoning this method for more intensive farming, exacerbating environmental issues.
• 😀 The Indonesian government has proposed transforming Ranupani into a tourism village to boost the local economy and relieve pressure on agricultural land.
• 😀 There are concerns among the residents that tourism might not provide a sustainable income to replace agriculture, and that the community may not be ready for such a shift.
• 😀 Ranu Pane Lake, a significant attraction and the village's namesake, is at risk of disappearing due to sedimentation, which threatens both the local ecosystem and the tourism potential.
• 😀 The government aims to attract 20 million foreign tourists by 2019 as part of a national strategy to promote tourism, but the effectiveness of this plan in Ranupani remains uncertain.
• 😀 Local farmers and community leaders are concerned that shifting to tourism without addressing the environmental and agricultural challenges might lead to long-term economic instability.

Q & A

What is the size and location of Ranupani village?

Ranupani village is located in Lumajang, East Java, covering an area of only 500 hectares. It is situated within the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park.

Why is the expansion of agricultural land in Ranupani difficult?

Expanding agricultural land in Ranupani is nearly impossible because it would require opening up forested areas within the National Park, which should be conserved.

How has the potato farming in Ranupani contributed to the local economy?

Potato farming has provided substantial income for the farmers in Ranupani, with one hectare of land generating up to Rp 10 million every 4-5 months during the harvest season.

What innovative technique does Sukodono use for potato farming?

Sukodono has developed his own technique for potato cultivation, including creating his own seedling system using polybags and experimenting with plant care methods that have led to improved results.

What challenges do Ranupani farmers face in maintaining soil fertility?

Farmers in Ranupani face the challenge of maintaining soil fertility due to erosion and the lack of interest in traditional farming methods like terracing, which can prevent soil depletion.

What impact has the changing agricultural practices had on the land?

The shift from terracing to more intensive farming methods has led to increased soil erosion, reducing the soil's nutrient content and posing long-term sustainability risks for agriculture.

How has the local community responded to the erosion problem?

The local community, while aware of the erosion issue, has struggled to take significant action due to the lack of knowledge and continuous support on how to manage soil conservation effectively.

What role does tourism play in the future of Ranupani?

The government aims to develop Ranupani as a tourist village to provide an alternative source of income for locals while preserving traditional values and sustainable agriculture.

What concerns do residents have about the shift to tourism as a primary industry?

Residents like Sukodono are concerned that the transition to tourism may not be suitable for everyone, especially for farmers who rely on agricultural income, and that it may not solve the underlying issues of land degradation.

What is the expected future of Ranupani's tourism development?

While the government's plan is to develop Ranupani as a tourist village to increase employment and local income, there is concern about the commitment of the community to this shift, and whether it can effectively balance tourism with agricultural sustainability.