Does Palm Oil Plantation Expansion Truly Enhance Workers^ Welfare Salman Syarief (a), Safira Ridhana (b*), Ahmad Ridha (c)
Fakultas Ekonomi, Universitas Samudra
salman[at]unsam.ac.id
Abstract
The expansion of palm oil plantations in Aceh Tamiang Regency has had a significant impact on the local economy, particularly for plantation workers. This study aims to assess the contribution of supplementary income from the processing of palm oil fronds (lidi) to the welfare of plantation workers. A quantitative approach was employed, collecting data from 56 respondents involved in the frond collection activities. The findings reveal that additional income from palm oil fronds significantly contributes to meeting essential needs such as food, education, healthcare, and housing. Approximately 67% of the workers experienced an increase in income that either approached or surpassed their primary earnings from plantation work. However, challenges remain, particularly in terms of resource access and income stability. This study highlights the importance of economic diversification in improving the welfare of palm oil plantation workers and offers recommendations for optimizing the economic potential of palm oil fronds in this region.
