Abstract: This study analyzes the impact of oil palm plantation expansion on the socio-economic and environmental conditions of local communities in North Konawe Regency, Southeast Sulawesi. Using a critical ethnographic approach with in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis techniques, this research reveals the practices of oil palm plantation corporations that impact deforestation, land grabbing, and structural impoverishment of communities. The findings show that oil palm plantation expansion in North Konawe has caused deforestation of 89,600 hectares with potential reserves reaching 202,000 hectares. Asymmetric plasma partnership practices result in communities receiving only 12-18% of production yields, far below the initial agreement of 40%. Intimidation, land certificate retention, and artificial debt construction have become corporate strategies to control community land. The transformation from subsistence farming to plantation labor has reduced food security and community quality of life. This research contributes to critical agrarian literature by revealing mechanisms of primitive accumulation in the context of oil palm plantations in Indonesia, and provides policy recommendations for the protection of community rights and environmental sustainability.

Keywords: oil palm plantation, deforestation, land grabbing, plasma partnership, critical agrarian studies, North Konawe

Pages: 322-336

WSEAS Transactions on