The role of contract “bagi tiga” on rice harvesting of banjar communities in maintaining wetland productivity in South Kalimantan

Abstract

The “bagi tiga” contract in wetland rice harvesting is a traditional practice that is still relevant in the context of modern agriculture, especially among the Banjar people of South Kalimantan Province. This research aims to analyze the bagi tiga contract in maintaining wetland productivity in the region. Through the type of sociological juridical research that uses a case study approach method in several villages in South Kalimantan and supported by primary data obtained from field observations and throughin-depth interviews with informants, this research reveals that the “bagi tiga” contract has made a significant contribution in maintaining wetland sustainability. The fair profit-sharing mechanism between landowners and sharecropper has encouraged sustainable land management. Sharecroppers tend to invest in land maintenance, rain-fed irrigation arrangements, plant pest management and the use of organic fertilizers to maintain soil fertility and the effectiveness of paddy rice cultivation which is done only once a year. In addition, the “bagi tiga” contract also strengthens the social relationship between the parties involved, thus increasing the sense of ownership and responsibility in preserving the environment.