Economic Ecology in Rice Agricultural Production Activities in Kasepuhan Gelar Alam

Abstract

Existing sustainability studies largely emphasize technological intensification and market-oriented agricultural transitions while overlooking indigenous non-market agricultural systems rooted in ecological ethics and communal food sovereignty. This study examines the ecological-economic principles embedded in rice agricultural production within the Kasepuhan Gelar Alam indigenous community in Indonesia. Harmony between humans and nature serves as a fundamental principle underlying nearly all aspects of their agricultural practices. In rice production activities, the community consistently integrates ecological considerations as part of the environment and ecosystem. Nature is perceived as an entity with intrinsic value, independent of human interests, and is respected through strict adherence to customary rules aimed at environmental preservation. Overall, the agricultural practices of the Kasepuhan Gelar Alam community reflect their wisdom and adaptive capacity in responding to climate change. This is demonstrated through their practice of planting rice once a year, guided by traditional calculations based on celestial observations, weather patterns, and optimal soil conditions. By combining tradition and selective innovation, they maintain both cultural and environmental sustainability, embodying a “back to nature” agricultural approach. The Kasepuhan Gelar Alam community represents a sustainable society grounded in ecological principles. Their farming system not only fulfills food needs but also preserves ecosystems and enhances environmental quality through conservation practices such as tree planting, avoidance of chemical pesticides, and prioritization of organic fertilizers. These practices have enabled the community to achieve food self-sufficiency, with rice reserves considered sufficient to meet consumption needs for up to 20 years. This approach provides valuable insights into how sustainable agriculture can be implemented by respecting cultural values, ecological balance, and community needs. It demonstrates that sustainable agriculture can ensure food security without degrading the environment, while preserving natural resources for future generations within the Kasepuhan Gelar Alam community.