InfoSAWIT, TANJUNG SELOR – Bulungan Regent Syarwani has emphasized a ban on farmers in his region from converting rice fields into palm oil plantations. This policy is aimed at maintaining regional food security and ensuring the availability of productive land for staple food crops such as rice.

According to Syarwani, the conversion of agricultural land to palm oil plantations can have serious impacts on farmers' economies and local food supply. "Fertile agricultural land is crucial in supporting food production that meets community needs. If converted, food availability could be threatened," he stated, as reported by InfoSAWIT from Radar Tarakan on Friday (March 28, 2025).

He stressed that preserving rice fields as food production areas is a strategic step towards creating long-term food security. Additionally, this policy aims to maintain ecosystem balance and reduce the region's dependence on food imports.

Syarwani hopes that farmers will understand the importance of sustaining the agricultural sector. "By preserving rice fields, we not only meet the food needs of the community but also maintain a healthy and sustainable environment," he added.

This initiative aligns with the local government's efforts to enhance food independence and mitigate the negative impacts of palm oil plantation expansion on productive agricultural land. The government also plans to provide support and incentives for farmers who remain focused on food production to support regional food security.

This decision has garnered support from various parties, including environmental and agricultural sector advocates, who believe that the conversion of agricultural land must be controlled to avoid disrupting national food production.

With this policy, the Bulungan Regent hopes that the local agricultural sector can continue to develop, benefiting farmers and ensuring that community food security is maintained in the future. (T2)