STRENGTHENING LOCAL FOOD SECURITY
THROUGH COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT IN THE PRODUCTION OF MALIKA BLACK SOYBEANS IN
TULANG BAWANG REGENCY
Ahmad
Ratib Asraf Triputra¹, Goestyari Kurnia Amantha²*,Ulfa Umayasari³
¹Faculty
Of Social Sciences And Political Sciences, Lampung University, Indonesia
²
Faculty Of Social Sciences And Political Sciences, Lampung University,
Indonesia
³
Faculty Of Social Sciences And Political Sciences, Lampung University,
Indonesia
ratibxiaomi@gmail.com
Abstract
Food
security does not only on the government's role in its management.
Collaboration among the government, private sector, and society is also
essential in achieving food self-sufficiency. Food security is not merely about
national-scale food production, but also about regional initiatives capable of
developing local potential independently and consistently. This study examines
efforts to strengthen local food security through community empowerment in the
production of Malika black soybeans in Tulang Bawang Regency. As an alternative
and relatively new food commodity with high nutritional value and significant
economic potential, Malika black soybeans offer opportunities for sustainable
agriculture and increased farmer income. Using a descriptive qualitative
approach and a case study method, this research analyzes the partnership model
between the Tulang Bawang Regency Government and PT Horti Yasmin Jaya in the
production of Malika black soybeans. Preliminary results show that the first
harvest was successfully carried out despite challenges such as land
suitability and planting distance. This collaboration serves as a concrete
example of an inclusive food governance strategy, promoting farmer independence
and increasing the added value of local commodities as part of regional food
security.
Keywords: food security, community
empowerment, black soybeans, sustainable agriculture, Tulang Bawang
INTRODUCTION
Food
security remains a significant challenge both globally and nationally,
especially in the context of post-pandemic recovery and the ongoing threats of
climate change and geopolitical instability. According to the Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO), food security exists when all people, at all
times, have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and
nutritious food that meets their dietary needs for an active and healthy life
(FAO, 2021). In Indonesia, the government has prioritized food self-sufficiency
through a series of national programs. The government aims to achieve food
self-sufficiency within the next four to five years, with the ambitious vision
of positioning Indonesia as a global food hub. President Prabowo Subianto has
committed to realizing this goal through strategic policies, including the
development of food estates, enhancement of agricultural infrastructure, and
modernization of the agribusiness sector.
However, gaps in implementation and a continued reliance on
staple commodities such as rice and imported soybeans remain pressing issues.
In this context, local
initiatives rooted in community empowerment and sustainable agriculture
are increasingly recognized as vital complements to national food strategies.
Tulang
Bawang Regency in Lampung Province offers a concrete example of local food
resilience through the cultivation of Malika
black soybeans—a relatively new commodity in Indonesia, especially in Tulang
Bawang. This variety is noted for its high nutritional content and significant
economic potential. Currently, the agricultural sector in Tulang Bawang is
dominated by commodities such as cassava, palm oil, rubber, maize, and rice.
The collaboration between the local government and PT Horti Yasmin Jaya aims to
diversify local food sources while improving farmer welfare by introducing a new
agricultural commodity. This initiative underscores the regional government’s
commitment to diversifying its agricultural outputs.
Community empowerment in this context not only provides
alternative livelihoods for rural populations but also addresses structural
dependency on a narrow set of commodities. Malika black soybeans, rich in
protein and antioxidants, also hold strong export potential, making them a
strategic crop for both local consumption—especially in the soy sauce
industry—and agro-industrial development.
The
active participation of local communities in the entire production process—
from land preparation, planting, harvesting, to post-harvest handling—reflects
a bottom-up approach in local food policy, particularly in Tulang Bawang. This
study investigates how such a collaborative model between local government and
the private sector contributes to strengthening food security, not only through
increased agricultural production but also through the social empowerment of
rural communities. By examining this case, the paper seeks to illustrate how
newly introduced local commodities can emerge as key drivers in Indonesia’s
journey toward a more sustainable and inclusive food system.
The
main research questions addressed in this study are:
1.
How does community empowerment
contribute to food security in the case of Malika black soybeans?
2.
What are the challenges and successes
of the collaborative model between local government, the private sector, and
community actors?
3.
What implications does this case have
for future regional food policy formulation?
METHODOLOGY
This study employs a
qualitative descriptive approach using a case study method to explore how local
food security can be strengthened through community empowerment, with a
specific focus on the production of Malika black soybeans in Tulang Bawang
Regency. The case study method was selected to enable an in-depth investigation
of a real-world initiative involving multiple stakeholders, including local
government, the private sector, and farming communities.
The study aims to understand
the dynamics, strategies, and perceived impacts of the Malika soybean program
as implemented in selected villages. This approach is particularly suitable for
examining the complexity of governance relationships, community participation,
and innovation adoption within a localized agricultural system.
a. Data
Collection Techniques
Data were collected through a
combination of field observations and document analysis:
1. Field Observations: Direct site visits were
conducted to observe cultivation practices, seed distribution processes,
post-harvest handling, and stakeholder interactions during the planning and
implementation stages.
2. Document Analysis: This included a review of
planning documents such as the Regional Food Security Action Plan, technical cooperation agreements with
PT Horti Yasmin Jaya, and project evaluation reports.
b. Research
Location
The study was conducted in Tulang Bawang
Regency, specifically in Kecubung Jaya Village, located in Gedung Aji
Subdistrict, which is directly involved in the Malika black soybean program.
The research site was selected purposively based on the village's level of
participation in the program.
RESULTS
AND DISCUSSION
a.
Community Empowerment in the Production of Malika Black Soybeans
The Malika black soybean
initiative in Tulang Bawang Regency reflects a significant shift from a
top-down food security approach to a community empowerment model. Farmers are
no longer positioned merely as laborers, but as partners in planning and
decision-making processes. This empowerment is evident through regular
technical assistance, capacity-building training, and participatory discussions
conducted prior to the planting season.
Field interviews revealed
that before the program’s implementation, most farmers were unfamiliar with
black soybeans and skeptical about their economic value. However, after a
series of outreach activities conducted by the Department of Agriculture in
collaboration with PT Horti Yasmin Jaya, farmers began to recognize the
economic potential of Malika soybeans.
b.
Public–Private Collaboration in Local Food Governance
The partnership between PT Horti Yasmin Jaya and the local government
serves as a tangible example of inclusive food governance. Unlike conventional
aid programs that often end with seed distribution, this collaboration
encompasses the entire production cycle—from seed provision, cultivation
training, post-harvest processes, to market access.
The black soybean cultivation initiative uses a seed loan system, where
PT Horti Yasmin Jaya lends seeds to farmers, who then repay them with a portion
of their harvest. Interestingly, PT Horti Yasmin Jaya also purchases the
harvested soybeans directly from the farmers at a fixed price of IDR 7.000,00
per kilogram, providing both market certainty and economic benefit. In
addition, PT Horti Yasmin Jaya has an agreement or MoU with PT Unilever
Indonesia Tbk to sell the harvested Malika black soybeans for processing into
sweet soy sauce. PT Horti Yasmin Jaya states that they need at least 25 tons of
Malika black soybeans every month to meet market demand. This guarantees the
sales flow of agricultural products for farmers.
The local government views this price stabilization mechanism as crucial
in building farmers' trust. The Regent of Tulang Bawang has openly expressed
support for this initiative as a model of collaborative innovation in
agriculture. This aligns with food governance literature, which emphasizes the
importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships in enhancing food system
resilience and sustainability (Marsden & Morley, 2014).
The Director of PT Horti
Yasmin Jaya, Eni Kusrini CPFR, expressed her gratitude during the harvest
event, attended by representatives from the Department of Agriculture,
sub-district heads, police, military, and community members. She explained:
“We initially
introduced dwarf coconut varieties in Tulang Bawang, but since these take three
years to bear fruit, we sought alternatives to shorten the waiting period. As a
solution, we began cultivating Malika black soybeans. These soybeans are
essential for national food security and are processed into products like
Bangau and ABC soy sauce.”
Meanwhile, Nur Khasanah, SP, MM, Head of
the Tulang Bawang Agriculture Office, affirmed her support for the initiative:
“Alhamdulillah,
today marks the first harvest of Malika black soybeans, cultivated on 10
hectares in collaboration with PT Horti Yasmin Jaya. We hope this harvest
motivates other soybean farmers and revitalizes the soybean farming spirit in
Tulang Bawang.”
c.
Socioeconomic Impact and Indicators of Local Food Security
From a social perspective, the community now recognizes that there are
other commodities with high economic value that are not too difficult to
cultivate. Previously, the community in Tulang Bawang Regency, especially in
Kecubung Jaya Village, relied solely on cassava as their primary agricultural
commodity. However, after the outreach activities and tangible results from the
harvest, the community became interested and started to inquire further about
Malika black soybeans through the village government.
From an economic standpoint, Malika black soybeans are considered more profitable
than cassava. Malika black soybeans only require 4 months to grow and have a
guaranteed price from the company of IDR 7,000.00 per kilogram. In contrast,
cassava takes at least 6 months to grow and its price is highly fluctuating,
depending on the market, with deductions for harvest yields and starch content
measurements. Based on Lampung Governor's Instruction Number 2 of 2025
regarding Cassava Prices, the price of cassava is set at IDR 1,350.00 per
kilogram with a maximum deduction of 30% without measuring starch content.
Despite the Governor's decision on cassava prices, several companies have
refused and chosen to close down. This indicates that cassava lacks price
certainty, and the presence of Malika black soybeans can serve as an alternative.
Other benefits of this program include activating idle lands and
optimizing the use of previously unproductive marginal areas. Secondly, it
creates temporary employment opportunities, particularly for rural youth during
land preparation and harvest periods. Furthermore, the program encourages
economic diversification among farmers who previously relied solely on
commodities such as oil palm, rubber, rice, cassava, or corn.
Using the Food Security and Vulnerability Atlas (FSVA) framework, this
intervention indicates improvements in food availability, stability, and
access, although long-term data is still needed to confirm its sustainability.
d.
Implementation Challenges
Despite promising initial harvest results, the program faces several
implementation challenges. One major issue is land suitability. Many farmers
struggled to adapt planting distances and drainage systems, as Malika soybeans
require different soil conditions compared to rice or cassava.
Based on interviews with relevant parties and document analysis, the
estimated yield of Malika black soybeans by PT Horti Yasmin Jaya was 0.2 tons
per 1,000 m² or 2 tons per 10,000 m². However, in reality, the actual yield
from the first harvest was only 0.1 tons per 1,000 m². From the 22,500 m² of
land used, only 2.3 tons were produced. Preliminary evaluations showed that
overly dense planting (20x20 cm) contributed to suboptimal yields. The
recommended spacing of 30x40 cm would provide plants with better growth
conditions. Additionally, Mr. Kuncoro, the landowner, admitted that he used 30
kg of seeds per 10,000 m², whereas the recommended amount is 25 kg per 10,000
m². This resulted in planting that was too close, leading to a lack of
nutrients for the plants.
High soil pH due to the absence of dolomite during land preparation
negatively affected plant growth and yield. Going forward, the Department of
Agriculture and PT Horti Yasmin Jaya are committed to continued technical
support, including improved planting spacing, better soil management, and
intensive training to significantly increase productivity in the next planting
season.
Another challenge is the difficulty in post-harvest support,
specifically the tools needed to separate soybeans from their stalks. At the
beginning of the harvest, Mr. Kuncoro admitted that he struggled to separate
the soybeans from their stalks due to the lack of automatic tools, which meant
it had to be done manually, one by one. This consumed a very long time. In the
future, Mr. Kuncoro hopes for assistance from the company or government to
provide the necessary tools for farmers interested in cultivating this
commodity. Furthermore, weak institutional coordination, especially during the
early phases, when communication among extension workers, village leaders, and
farmers was unclear. Some farmers expressed confusion over the division of
roles between the government and the private sector. However, the formation of
village-level facilitation teams consisting of farmers, local officials, and
agricultural extension workers has gradually improved coordination.
Post-harvest sustainability also remains a concern. Some farmers worry
that if PT Horti Yasmin Jaya were to withdraw, Malika soybean production would
lose market certainty. Therefore, long-term strategies involving cooperatives or
village-owned enterprises (BUMDes) are essential to strengthen farmers'
bargaining power and ensure the program's continuity.
To ensure
sustainability, the following prerequisites must be met:
- Consistent local
government policies supporting agro-industry development, including budget
allocations, agricultural incentives, and institutional strengthening.
- Diversification of
partners to reduce dependency on a single off-taker. The government could
explore partnerships with food cooperatives or export market networks.
- Development of local value
chains such as soy sauce, tempeh, or soybean snacks to create added value
in villages and generate entrepreneurial opportunities, particularly for
youth. Youth involvement in product innovation and digital marketing is
essential to prevent program stagnation.
The program shows strong potential for replication in other areas of
Tulang Bawang and across Lampung Province. However, local adaptation is
necessary, especially in terms of agroecological conditions, farming culture,
and village institutional readiness. A participatory approach and periodic
evaluations will be key to success in new locations.
e.
Sustainability and Replication Potential
The sustainability of this empowerment model depends on three main elements:
1. Ongoing commitment from the
local government, particularly in land mapping, irrigation support, and
financial assistance for farmers.
2. Continued buyback policy from
PT Horti Yasmin Jaya.
3. Growth of local cooperatives,
especially BUMDes, and the active involvement of youth in post-harvest
processing activities.
The success of this pilot
program makes it a strong candidate for replication in other sub-districts or
even other provinces. However, adaptation processes must account for ecological,
institutional, and socio-cultural differences to ensure optimal outcomes
CONCLUSION
AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This study confirms that
strengthening local food security through community empowerment in the
production of Malika black soybeans in Tulang Bawang
Regency has yielded positive outcomes. The partnership model involving local
government, farmers, and the private sector—specifically PT Horti Yasmin
Jaya—has proven to be a key driver of the program’s success. The participatory
approach, which emphasizes active farmer involvement at every stage of
production, has significantly enhanced the community's technical and social
capacities.
Socioeconomically, the
program has succeeded in actualizing the potential of marginal land, creating
new employment opportunities, and increasing farmers' incomes. Furthermore, the
diversification of local agricultural commodities has made a tangible
contribution to food security at both the village and regency levels. Despite
the presence of several technical and coordination challenges, synergy among
stakeholders has effectively addressed these issues.
From a sustainability
perspective, the program holds substantial potential for replication and
broader implementation, particularly if supported by consistent policy frameworks
and the strengthening of local institutions. Digital transformation and product
innovation are also critical to maintaining the relevance and competitiveness
of Malika black soybeans in local and
national markets.
This research highlights that
local food security enhancement through community empowerment in Malika black soybean production constitutes a
strategic effort that successfully integrates local resource potential with
multi-stakeholder collaboration. The cooperative model among local government,
farmers, and private companies has fostered an effective and sustainable
framework that not only boosts production capacity but also improves economic
welfare.
Technically, the empowerment
program has optimized previously underproductive agricultural land through the
application of appropriate technologies and cultivation methods adapted to
local conditions. The success of the first harvest, despite challenges such as
land suitability and spacing, demonstrates the program’s technical viability.
Socially, community empowerment has enabled active farmer participation in
planning and decision-making processes, fostering a sense of ownership and
commitment to the program. This empowerment has also contributed to reducing
local unemployment and increasing household income among farming families.
Moreover, this initiative
illustrates that food security is not solely the responsibility of the central
government but must also be supported by concrete efforts at the local level
through the utilization of economically valuable local commodities. The
production of Malika black soybeans, with an
emphasis on sustainability and nutritional value, serves as a compelling
example of how local food diversification can support regional and national
food security. Nonetheless, several challenges remain, including limited
technical knowledge among farmers, suboptimal market access, and gaps in
stakeholder coordination. These issues require serious attention to ensure that
the program's outcomes can be further improved and sustained.
Based on the research
findings, the following strategic recommendations are proposed to reinforce and
expand the success of the program:
1. Policy Strengthening and Local Government
Support.
Tulang Bawang Regency Government is encouraged to reinforce its policy support,
including allocating specific budgetary resources for the development of Malika black soybeans and facilitating
continuous training for farmers. Regulations that support public-private
partnerships and provide incentives for agribusiness actors are also necessary.
2. Development of Farmer Institutions and
Local Cooperatives.
The establishment and strengthening of farmer cooperatives or Village-Owned
Enterprises (BUMDes) are essential for managing production, marketing, and
processing of black soybean products independently. This will also reduce
dependency on a single off-taker and strengthen farmers’ bargaining position.
3. Product Diversification and Digital
Marketing.
Innovation in the processing of Malika
black soybeans into various derivative products and the development of digital
marketing strategies should be enhanced. Engaging younger generations in
information technology utilization will help expand market reach and increase
product value-added.
4. Capacity Building and Technology Transfer. Ongoing training and
intensive technical assistance are necessary to improve farmers’ adaptation to
climate change and the latest agricultural technologies. The provision of
environmentally friendly and efficient technologies is highly recommended.
5. Regular Monitoring and Evaluation. Government and program
partners should implement regular evaluations to ensure that objectives are
being met and issues are addressed promptly. Community involvement in
monitoring processes will further enhance accountability and transparency.
With these strategic steps, it is
expected that the empowerment program for Malika black soybean production can serve as a
leading model for strengthening local food security and promoting
community-based economic development in Indonesia.
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