Industrialization and loss of rice barns (Karawang Case Study)

Abstract

Karawang is a major rice producing city and currently serves as a barn for the entire Jakarta region. Modern industrialization posed a significant threat to local farmers, in terms of economic choices, as to either continue farming or explore other more viable alternatives. This research provides a comprehension description, using several available data to aid the farmers' financial options. Secondary data were obtained from reliable public sources, including the Indonesian Central Bureau of Statistics, and were subsequently processed by the use of descriptive statistics and trend analysis. The results showed the existing conditions were responsible for the work preference in factories, due to higher compensation packages, compared to field experience. Meanwhile, land owners tend to switch to potential activities for higher economic value and profitable returns. This research extends the need for government intervention, in an effort to improve the living standard of Karawang farmers.