Critical Analysis of Contract Farming Practice in East Java - Indonesia

Abstract

This study explored the technical implementation of the contract farming partnership which had been done by farmers and their partner companies in East Java, and identifying issues and benefits of partnership for both parties This study employed an interpretive research design, following a post-positivist paradigm. The data were collected by means of indepth interviews, observation and document study and were analyzed using the key tenet of Martin Heidegger's interpretive phenomenology. The interpretive process was achieved through hermeneutic circle to understand how individuals involved in the program interpreted the program including their own experiences as well as their interactions with other parties. The results of the study show that the created contract farming partnership generally has positive effect on farmers in the form of increased income, access to market, access to credit and technology, increased ability to manage risk, employment opportunities for indirect family members, empowerment of women and development successful business culture. Nevertheless, it was also evidence that contractual farming has negative consequences for farmers, such as high dependency, under-age employment and cooptation of land use. The results from the study have direct relevance to policy makers in Indonesia, especially those that have been implemented contract farming and to agribusiness companies seeking contractual relationships for commodity production.

Identifying Institutions and Strategic Programs to Increase Sugarcane Production in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia

“…Private companies have been identified as key actors because of their role in establishing sugar factories in Southeast Sulawesi as well as opening up plantation land around the sugar factories. As an initiator in efforts to achieve sugar self-sufficiency, the company is expected to continue to play a role in recruiting workers or establishing good partnerships with plasma farmers to ensure productivity growth (Susilowati et al, 2020).…”