Review of the Dispute Between Coconut Farmers and Palm Oil Estates Regarding the Population Explosion of Coconut Beetle in Inderagiri Hilir Regency

Abstract

Indragiri Hilir is one of the regency in Riau Province – Indonesia; widely acclaimed as world coconut
spread. More than a half of populations in this area depend on coconut plantation. However, a
devastating population outbreak of Oryctes rhinoceros, one of coconut pest known as invasive spesies
has been causing significant loss. This problems often provoked conflict between coconut farmer and
oil palm estates. Issues regarding problems related to the pest outbreaks have been going on for years
and publicities concerning the issues are numerous. However there are not many scientific reports to
support comprehensive approach that would resulted in sustainable management of the pest. Therefore,
the aim of the paper is to gain attention and support toward comprehensive approach and sustainable
management of the invasive pest. The objectives of the paper is to elucidate big picture of condition
and related factors causing the pest outbreak. In this paper, information and data regarding condition
of public coconut plantation are presented and discussed based on publicities and the previous study
conducted in one of the area affected by the pest outbreak. The study was conducted by evaluating the
chronology of the infestation outbreak and by sampling of the pest population in distance to the
suspected source of the infestation. Overall studies revealed that the pest outbreak correlated with the
environmental change that increasing habitat carrying capacity for the pest. Solution given however
has not been sufficient to address the problem in sustainable manner. Therefore integration of
education, application of comprehensive approaches and law enforcement of regulation is needed
involving the stakeholders to enable sustainable pest management that would ensure the coconut in this
area remain” the tree of life” for the society.