Adaptive Capacity of Indonesian Peatland Communities Facing Resource Loss and Fires Threats: Studies on Purun (Eleocharis dulcis) Craftsmen

This study investigates the adaptive capacity of peatland communities, specifically purun artisans, in response to the transformation of peatlands into oil palm concessions and the devastating impact of land fires on purun raw materials. Traditional reliance on purun as a primary income source is gradually diminishing, with alternative economic opportunities non-peat based becoming increasingly scarce. Utilizing a descriptive qualitative methodology, this research integrates in-depth interviews, observations, and a comprehensive literature review to examine the resilience of these communities amidst environmental change. One hundred individuals from purun artisan groups at the study site were interviewed to gather data on socio-economic transition and adaptation strategies. The findings suggest the current adaptive capacity of these communities is in a precarious state, indicating a need for interventions to enhance resilience and sustainable livelihoods. This research underscores the pressing issue of peatland conversion and its socio-economic implications, making a significant contribution to the discourse on community resilience and peatland management. It also calls for further exploration into viable alternative income sources and capacity-building strategies to safeguard these communities' future.