A Case Study of Socioeconomic Contribution of Large Palm Oil Plantations for Communities around PT GKG, West Kalimantan

The Indonesian palm oil industry plays a major role as a driver of the national economy. As the largest palm oil producer in the world, the palm oil industry is a source of income and provides employment opportunities both directly and indirectly. The PASPI and World Growth studies show that oil palm plantations can reduce poverty, especially in rural areas. However, there are various opinions regarding oil palm plantations, especially regarding socio-economic and environmental issues for the surrounding community. Thus, a study regarding the socio-economic benefits of the community on large oil palm plantations at PT GKG, West Kalimantan needs to be carried out. This study was conducted on households in rural areas around PT. GKG in Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan. The aspects studied in the survey were characteristics, community perceptions, and the contribution of oil palm to household income, using interview methods with snowball techniques and questionnaires. The results of the study can be assumed that the community felt positive social changes occurred before and after becoming oil palm plantation land. The social changes that occur are people’s lifestyles, including how they work, play and interact with each other. From an economic perspective, almost all the communities that depend on oil palm feel the economic benefits of the presence of PT GKG’s oil palm plantations. Therefore, it can be said that oil palm plantations have become an important part of the lives of the people around PT GKG.