Application Of The LEISA System As A Solution For Peatland Fire Prevention

Abstract

This research examines the implementation of LEISA (Low External Input Sustainable Agriculture) on peatlands within the ring I area of ​​PT Kilang Pertamina Internasional Refinery Unit II Dumai (RU II Dumai). LEISA Agriculture System is an agricultural method that uses external inputs – such as chemical fertilizers and synthetic pesticides – as minimally as possible, limited to fulfilling the deficit elements of the existing ecosystem (Reijntjes, et al., 1992). The aim of this system is to create a sustainable agricultural system by developing farmer behavior in order to achieve an increase in healthier agricultural production (Asminaya, et al., 2023). Using qualitative research methods, this research describes the implementation of the LEISA Agriculture System with several key strategies together with other stakeholders. The LEISA System Agricultural Development Program by RU II Dumai is based on land fire incidents that have frequently occurred in Riau Province since 2015. Peat land fires produce thick smoke which reduces air quality, reduces visibility, disrupts the running of the local economy, and has a negative impact on health, and damage the ecosystem. The implementation of LEISA has had a positive impact in the form of preventing land fires and reducing carbon emissions from agricultural activities on peatlands. Apart from this impact, farmers who are program beneficiaries have received an increase in income of 220% compared to before participating in the LEISA System Agriculture program.