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| View of Independent Smallholder Oil Palm Plantations in Jangkang Subdistrict. The area is evolving into a pre-capitalist society. Photo credit: Rmsp. |
Researcher : Masri Sareb Putra, M.A.
Release Date: June 4, 2025
Abstract
Jangkang Subdistrict in Sanggau Regency, West Kalimantan, has emerged as a rapidly expanding center of oil palm cultivation, encompassing a total area of 12,025 hectares when including its neighboring regions. This report analyzes the spatial distribution of both mature (harvest-ready) and immature oil palm plantations across the villages of Jangkang and adjacent areas. Beyond its considerable economic potential, the report also explores critical challenges related to sustainability, environmental impact, and local community welfare. Available data indicate that 6,370 hectares of plantations are currently productive, while 5,655 hectares have yet to reach maturity, underscoring the subdistrict’s strategic role in West Kalimantan’s oil palm sector.
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Keywords: Oil Palm Plantations, Jangkang Subdistrict, Land Area, Economic Potential, Sustainability, Environmental Impact.
1. Introduction
Jangkang Subdistrict, located within the administrative boundaries of Sanggau Regency, West Kalimantan, is recognized as one of the key regions for oil palm cultivation. The sector contributes significantly to the local economy, providing employment opportunities and generating regional income. However, the expansion of oil palm plantations is not without its challenges, most notably deforestation and threats to biodiversity.
This report seeks to analyze the distribution and extent of oil palm plantations within Jangkang and surrounding areas, identify their economic potential, and examine the sustainability challenges involved— all within the broader historical and economic context of development in Asia.
2. Data and Analysis
2.1 Oil Palm Plantation Area in Jangkang Subdistrict
According to current data, the total area of oil palm plantations in Jangkang Subdistrict is estimated at 10,280 hectares, divided as follows:
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Harvested (mature) land: 5,395 hectares
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Unharvested (immature) land: 4,885 hectares
The distribution of plantation area varies across the subdistrict’s villages. The following table summarizes key data for several primary villages:
Table 1: Oil Palm Plantation Area in Jangkang Subdistrict
| Village | Harvested (ha) | Unharvested (ha) | Total (ha) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selampong | 1,400 | 600 | 2,000 |
| Jangkang | 700 | 800 | 1,500 |
| Balai Sebut | — | — | — |
| Empiyang | 20 | 40 | 60 |
| Pisang | 25 | 50 | 75 |
| Semombat | — | — | — |
| Terati | — | — | — |
Note:
Detailed data for Balai Sebut, Semombat, and Terati are unavailable; however, these villages are known to contribute meaningfully to Jangkang’s overall palm oil production.
This section highlights Jangkang’s significance in West Kalimantan’s palm oil economy and emphasizes the need for sustainable management practices and environmental accountability.
2.2 Oil Palm Plantation Area in the Surrounding Region
Neighboring areas around Jangkang Subdistrict also host sizable oil palm plantations, covering an additional 1,745 hectares. The breakdown is as follows:
Table 2: Oil Palm Plantation Area in Adjacent Regions
| Village | Harvested (ha) | Unharvested (ha) | Total (ha) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bantai | 75 | 120 | 195 |
| Majel | 50 | 150 | 200 |
| Trans SP 3 | 850 | 500 | 1,350 |
| Total | 975 | 770 | 1,745 |
Though smaller in scale compared to Jangkang, these areas represent a significant extension of the oil palm economy. Once again, keywords such as land area, economic potential, sustainability, and environmental impact become central to this discussion.
2.3 Total Plantation Area Combined
Combined, the total plantation area across Jangkang and its surrounding villages is as follows:
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Harvested land: 6,370 hectares
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Unharvested land: 5,655 hectares
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Total area: 12,025 hectares
This figure reflects the substantial scope of oil palm agriculture in the region, both in terms of land under management and its future production potential. While terms such as Oil Palm Plantations, Jangkang Subdistrict, and Land Area underline the scale of the enterprise, the issues of Sustainability and Environmental Impact draw attention to its accompanying responsibilities.
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3. Economic Potential and Sustainability Challenges
3.1 Economic Potential
The oil palm sector in Jangkang and surrounding areas demonstrates considerable economic promise. With a combined plantation area of 12,025 hectares, the region plays a crucial role in supplying both domestic and international markets. Villages such as Selampong (1,400 ha), Jangkang (700 ha), and Trans SP 3 (850 ha) are the primary contributors. Additionally, the 5,655 hectares of unharvested land indicate further production growth in the near future. The term Economic Potential is central here, closely tied to land use and the strategic role of Jangkang in this industry.
3.2 Sustainability Challenges
Despite these economic gains, several critical challenges remain:
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Deforestation and Land Conversion: The transformation of forested areas into plantations poses serious threats to biodiversity and ecological balance.
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Environmental Degradation: Unsustainable land use can result in soil erosion, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.
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Community Welfare: Ensuring that local communities benefit directly from the industry—through employment, capacity-building, and equitable access to resources—is essential.
The keywords Sustainability and Environmental Impact are pivotal in navigating these concerns, highlighting the urgent need to balance economic ambition with responsible stewardship.
4. Conclusion and Recommendations
4.1 Conclusion
Jangkang Subdistrict and its adjacent regions represent a major node in West Kalimantan’s oil palm economy, with a cumulative plantation area of 12,025 hectares. Variations in land distribution across villages—especially in Selampong, Jangkang, and Trans SP 3—indicate differing levels of development and investment. Nevertheless, the challenges of sustainability, particularly regarding environmental impact and local welfare, demand urgent and ongoing attention. Keywords such as Oil Palm Plantations, Jangkang Subdistrict, Land Area, Economic Potential, Sustainability, and Environmental Impact summarize the core findings of this report.
4.2 Recommendations
To ensure the long-term viability of the oil palm industry in the region, the following actions are recommended:
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Implement Sustainable Land Management Practices to mitigate environmental degradation.
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Enhance Training and Education for Local Communities to maximize economic benefits and build local capacity.
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Establish Ongoing Monitoring and Evaluation Systems to assess environmental and social impacts.
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Promote Collaboration among Government, Industry Stakeholders, and Communities to foster a balanced approach to economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity.
Keywords such as Sustainability, Environmental Impact, and Economic Potential serve as guiding principles for these strategic recommendations, with Jangkang Subdistrict remaining a focal point for future policy and research.
References
Boeke, Dr. J.H. Prakapitalisme di Asia. 1983. Jakarta: Sinar Harapan Press.
Gunarso, Petrus & Putra, Masri Sareb. Menjadi Kaya dengan Sawit: Emas Hijau Alat Politik Ekonomi yang diperebutkan . 2024. Jakarta: Dayak Literacy Institute Press.
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