South Kalimantan is not only known for its biodiverse Meratus Mountains tropical rainforests and its indigenous communities' wise stewardship of nature. The province also boasts expanses of peat swamps that have long been a primary source of livelihood for its residents.
One of these is in Paminggir District, North Hulu Sungai Regency. This area has long been a livelihood for the local community, who utilize the swamps for catching river fish, herding buffalo, and processing peat plants like purun into handicrafts.
However, this tranquility was disturbed when plans emerged to convert the swampland into an oil palm plantation. This plan caused significant concern among residents. They worried that the oil palm plantation would destroy fish habitats, deprive swamp buffalo of grazing grounds, and prevent the growth of purun plants.
This concern prompted the residents of Sapala and Bararawa to unite to defend their environment and livelihoods.
Rejecting Palm Oil, Building New Hope
Zakirin, the head of the Rawa Sejahtera Social Forestry Business Group (KUPS), vividly remembers the beginning of the struggle. "If there's oil palm, fish will decrease, buffalo will die. We can't survive anymore," Zakirin said firmly.
From 2017 to 2019, news of plans for oil palm plantations became increasingly prevalent. Residents of Sapala and Bararawa villages held a series of meetings to discuss their future. Ultimately, a unanimous decision was made: reject oil palm.
However, rejection alone was not enough. Residents realized that after closing the door to oil palm plantations, they also had to find sustainable livelihood alternatives. From these lengthy discussions, the idea emerged to establish a Village Forest Management Institution (LPHD) as a legal framework for officially and sustainably managing the swamp area.
With the assistance of several parties, such as the Indonesian Social Forestry Companion Association (AP2SI) and the South Kalimantan Forum for the Environment (Walhi), the Sapala and Bararawa LPHDs finally obtained a Decree from the Minister of Environment and Forestry in 2021. This decree marked an important milestone in their struggle to protect the swamps.
In late 2024, residents agreed to establish a KUPS focused on cultivating tauman fish—a high-value local fish that is resistant to changes in water quality.
"This cultivation is not just a business, but also our way of showing that forests and swamps can be managed sustainably and benefit the community," said Zakirin, a graduate of the Faculty of Agriculture at Lambung Mangkurat University.
From Four Cages, 4,000 Fish
KUPS currently manages four fish cages: two in Sapala Village (KUPS Rawa Sejahtera) and two in Bararawa Village (KUPS Rawa Maju). Each cage holds approximately 1,000 fish, bringing the total population to 4,000.
KUPS has 20 members, 10 women and 10 men. They work in shifts, including three dedicated to feeding the fish twice daily. The annual fish mortality rate is relatively low, averaging around 200.
The price of fish at the village level ranges from Rp 35,000 to Rp 45,000 per kilogram, while in Banjarmasin it can reach Rp 50,000 per kilogram. The initial capital of Rp 15 million came from AP2SI and was used to purchase fish cages and floats.
Even though the business is up and running, challenges remain significant. Feed costs are the largest expense, reaching around Rp 400,000 per box per day. Furthermore, the division of labor and the integration of perceptions among members often create their own unique dynamics.
Residents' Stories of Managing Fish Cages
Nurhayati, a member of the Sapala KUPS, recalled her involvement in this cultivation. Since childhood, she had been accustomed to helping her family catch fish in the swamp. Tauman fish cultivation was nothing new to her, but working in a group offered a different experience.
"Before, we all did everything individually. If there was a problem, we had to take responsibility ourselves," said Nurhayati. "Now we share the responsibility. If one fish cage has a problem, everyone pitches in to help."
According to Nurhayati, the biggest challenge is maintaining water quality.
"Tauman fish are very sensitive. If the water is cloudy or changes too quickly, many small fish die. We need medication and training to manage this. If the harvest is successful, the results can significantly increase the family's income," he said.
In Bararawa Village, Masrani, a fisherman who now also manages a floating cage, had a similar experience. Before joining KUPS, he relied entirely on his daily catch for a living.
"I usually earn Rp 50,000 to Rp 70,000 a day from selling papuyu and haruan fish," said Masrani. "That income is often not enough, especially during the slow fishing season. With the cages, we have a more secure source of additional income."
He explained that his group, along with 19 other people, started this business with guidance from the village government and field assistants. "This cultivation also taught us about cooperation and management," he said.
Ahmad Gajali, another group member, added that the activities started in the morning.
"At seven in the morning, we're already in the river, feeding the fish and checking the condition of the fish cages. Sometimes there are problems, such as pests and diseases attacking the fish. When that happens, we discuss solutions together," he said.
Support and Future Challenges
Tauman fish cultivation aligns with Minister of Environment and Forestry Regulation No. 9 of 2021, which encourages the development of silvofishery in village forest management. The 2022–2032 Social Forestry Management Plan targets such activities to improve community welfare while preserving the ecosystem.
Firdaus, a village official from Sapala, believes that collective work makes residents more united.
"Previously, they operated independently. Now, they operate together. We in the village also play a role in monitoring and providing information on selling prices so that residents are not disadvantaged," he said.
Latif, a representative from Bararawa Village, echoed this sentiment. He said the spirit of mutual cooperation is now more palpable. "Challenges remain, such as unifying perceptions and dividing up work among members," he said.
While progress is visible, a number of tasks remain. Institutional strengthening, technical skills development, access to capital, and marketing are the focus of support from AP2SI and village governments.
The Tauman fish cages now floating in the swamp symbolize the struggle of the Sapala and Bararawa residents. They demonstrate that natural resource management can be done without damaging the environment, while paving the way for a more prosperous future.
