TThe old adage about a donkey never falling into the same hole twice does not seem to apply in the case of the donkey. food land Project in Central Kalimantan. Instead of learning from past mistakes, the government is repeating the same mistakes by trying to turn peatlands into agricultural areas prone to failure.

A study conducted by Pantau Gambut, a non-governmental organization focusing on environmental issues, revealed that more than 270 hectares of land allocated for the food plot project in Central Kalimantan has been converted to agriculture. palm oil plantations. These plantations are spread around various villages in Kapuas Regency such as Tajepan, Penda Katapi, Palingkau Jaya and Palingkau Asri.

The oil palms are located in a forest area that, according to the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, should be used for the food plant project. However, Wira Usahatama Lestari secured the cultivation (HGU) right to plant palm trees on the land.

If the company obtains the HGU before the land is identified for the food court project, this indicates poor government coordination and planning when deciding on the project site. Conversely, if the HGU was acquired after the land was identified, this would constitute a violation of the rules by the company. Both of these possibilities point to a serious problem in the implementation of the project.

In addition, the Supreme Audit Institution (BPK) gave a ‘red report’ to the project. In its 2020-2021 inspection, BPK noted that the multi-trillion rupee project was not based on valid data or information, its implementation did not progress in line with planning, there was minimal supervision, and the supply of agricultural equipment was not sufficient. Do not follow the correct procedure.

In addition, Pantau Gambut reported that the food court project damaged more than 2,000 hectares of land. peatlandIt is the habitat of rare animals such as orangutans and proboscis monkeys. Ironically, more than 4,000 hectares of food land cleared in the last four years has been neglected. Peatlands dried out and some areas became forest fire areas in 2023.

BPK and Pantau Gambut’s findings suggest that food real estate policy Central Kalimantan it has serious problems and faces potential failure. The project appears to have proceeded hastily, like similar projects that failed during the Suharto era. President Joko Widodo has pushed for the project, claiming it would improve food security during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Now in the Presidential government Prabowo SubiantoThe food facility project should be stopped. Prabowo has the right to propose food self-sufficiency, but this should not harm forests and peatlands. To achieve sustainable food self-sufficiency, the government should focus on intensification through more environmentally friendly agricultural technologies.

Another important move is to impose strict sanctions on companies proven to encroach on food land to grow palm trees. The government will only be able to ensure food security with a solid and sustainable approach without falling into the same pit as in the past. If a donkey can learn from its mistakes, surely our government can too.