Owl House (Rubuha): Environmental Management Strategies for Sustainable Agriculture

The rice paddy rat ( Rattus argentiventer ) pest poses a serious threat to rice production in Indonesia, including in Central Java, which faces a 2.12% decline in production by 2024 due to climate change and pest infestation. The use of chemical pesticides as a conventional solution has caused negative impacts on the environment and human health, prompting the search for sustainable alternatives. This literature review research explores the use of owls ( Tyto alba ) as natural predators of rats in good environmental governance, through the construction of owl houses (rubuha) in various regions in Central Java. Initiatives through this program, supported by local policies such as Village Regulations to mass movements, have successfully reduced rat populations while maintaining ecosystem balance. Cilacap district recorded the construction of 842 rubuha in 2015-2024, while Kudus installed 365 units by 2024 through community and government collaboration. This approach is ecologically effective, economically feasible, and preserves biodiversity. It still has many challenges like Non-availability of rubuha in some parts and lack of community awareness in some areas that limit the possible utilization of this approach. This research confirms that rubuha and Tyto alba in innovative governance of sustainable agriculture congruent with sustainable development goals. Improving coordination between regions further and educating farmers is vital for success moving forward, so the owl becomes an emblem and a symbol of hope for food security and environmental justice.