Transformation of People's Livestock Business to Increase Buffalo Production in Indonesia: The Case of Gayo and South Kalimantan

Abstract

This study explores the development of the communal buffalo farming in Indonesia with the focus on two regions: Gayo Lues, Aceh and Hulu Sungai Selatan-Hulu Sungai Utara (HSS-HSU) in South Kalimantan. Buffalo farming is significant to the Indonesian culture and it has accustomed to the local environment, yet, the country is increasingly relying on imports due to the increasing demand of buffalo meat. The government initiatives that can assist local buffalo farming usually work on technical enhancement, yet they fail sufficiently to consider the social and cultural dimensions, which carry much weight on the long-term wellbeing of the agricultural system. The study employed the use of ethnographic research designs, which included participant observation, in-depth interviews, and Focus Group Discussions (FGD) with stakeholders of buffalo farming communities in both areas. A local dynamic and values investigation based on the structures of buffalo farming was possible through data analysis. The findings indicated that there existed extensive regional disparities within the institutions that serve farming and how farmers conduct their activities. Gayo Lues use the peruweren system to unite livestock keeping and Gayo cultural practices and rituals. HSS-HSU uses hadang to exploit swamp resources to graze buffalos. The study identified methods through which things can be transformed through Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes) or Joint Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDesma). Such ventures will be able to assist in the systematic livestock management, including the capital pooling and stakeholder assistance. According to the analysis, successful change requires a holistic approach, which entails the fusion of technological advancement with a profound understanding of the local culture and traditions. This strategy must balance between the need to modernize and the need to uphold traditions. It must ensure that the population of buffalo remains healthy without losing the community to its farming culture.