Palm Oil and Mining Threats: Government Pledges Support for Rubber Farmers
Kutai Kartanegara, East Kalimantan — Indonesia’s Ministry of Transmigration has pledged support for rubber farmers in transmigration settlements amid concerns over land conversion to palm oil plantations and mining operations.
Deputy Minister of Transmigration Viva Yoga Mauladi stated that the Ministry of Transmigration will continue to fulfil its role in providing guidance to transmigrant communities in transmigration settlements in accordance with applicable regulations.
“The Ministry of Transmigration will be responsible for assisting in the development of transmigrant residents, whether in residential units or in villages or local areas within transmigration settlements, in accordance with Law Number 29 of 2009 on Transmigration,” Mauladi said during a visit to Sebuntal Village, Marangkayu District, East Kalimantan, on Saturday (23 May 2026).
He noted that such assistance applies provided the land issues are not related to conflicts and the land already holds a Certificate of Land Ownership (SHM).
“If it is not related to land conflicts and, for example, it has already become SHM, then it becomes a personal responsibility,” he said.
Beyond guidance, the Ministry of Transmigration is also exploring opportunities to add economic value to rubber farmers through intercropping schemes.
“The rubber farmers in transmigration settlements will be engaged in discussions to provide additional value—for instance, by implementing intercropping programmes that could increase monthly household income,” Mauladi said.
According to him, commodities that can be developed through such schemes include maize and cardamom.
“With maize, with cardamom, and other crops suited to soil conditions, this will create a trickle-down effect for improving the welfare of rubber farmers,” he said.
Mauladi noted that many rubber farmers in Indonesia originate from transmigration settlements, particularly in Sumatra and Kalimantan regions.
He cited that the number of rubber farmers in Indonesia reaches approximately 2.1 million households.
“There are roughly 2.1 million rubber-farming households across Indonesia, with the majority distributed in Sumatra and Kalimantan. Most are located in transmigration settlements,” Mauladi said.
“This is therefore an important matter and our responsibility to ensure that transmigrant residents in transmigration settlements or former transmigration areas can increase their income and achieve prosperity,” he added.