Background of Land Conversion in Tanjung Sari Village

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 105 views

Transfer of Land Functions in Urban Areas: An Ethnographic Study on the Conversion of Agricultural Land into Non-Agricultural Land in Kel. Tanjung Sari, Kec. Medan Selayang-Medan

Introduction

The rapid growth of population in big cities like Medan has led to an increasingly important issue: the conversion of land functions in urban areas. In Tanjung Sari Village, Medan Selayang District, this phenomenon is striking, with many agricultural lands being converted into non-agricultural lands. This study aims to reveal the reasons behind community actions in turning agricultural land into non-agricultural land and understanding the perspective of the community and regional officials regarding this issue.

Background of Land Conversion in Tanjung Sari Village

The rapid growth of the population is one of the factors driving land conversion in Tanjung Sari. People who come to look for new opportunities, both in the economic and social sectors, create high demand for land for infrastructure development, housing, and other business sectors. This causes agricultural land that was previously a source of life for many people to be sacrificed to meet the needs that continue to develop. The increasing demand for land has led to a significant decrease in agricultural production, affecting the livelihoods of farmers and the food security of the community.

Reasons for Transfer of Land Function

There are several reasons behind the conversion of land functions carried out by the community. Economic factors are a major driver of land conversion, as agricultural land that produces harvests may not be enough to provide comparable advantages to the potential offered by non-agricultural projects such as housing construction or shopping centers. In addition, many residents think that turning agricultural land into non-agricultural land will open up job opportunities and increase their income. The desire for economic growth and development has led many people to prioritize non-agricultural land over agricultural land.

Second, social aspects also play a role. Tanjung Sari people who are diverse in the economic and education background have the desire to be more integrated with existing developments. Non-agricultural land becomes a symbol of modernity that is attractive to them, so the decision to carry out the transfer of functions becomes easier to take. The desire for modernity and a better lifestyle has led many people to abandon their agricultural land and opt for non-agricultural land.

Impact of Land Conversion

Transfer of land functions cannot be underestimated, because it can have a significant impact on the environment and the community. Directly, land conversion results in a decrease in agricultural production, especially food which is a basic necessity. In addition, this change of land use can also trigger a shift in economic, social, cultural, political, and environmental orientation. For example, loss of agricultural land can trigger food security problems in the area. The loss of agricultural land can have far-reaching consequences, including food insecurity, economic instability, and social unrest.

From a social perspective, this change can also create dissatisfaction among farmers who are still trying to maintain their land. On the other hand, people who turn to the non-agricultural sector may face new challenges, such as uncertainty in income and lifestyle changes. The conversion of land functions can have a significant impact on the social fabric of the community, leading to conflict and social unrest.

Conclusion

In this study, it was found that the conversion of land functions in Tanjung Sari Village, Medan Selayang District, reflects complex socioeconomic transformation. The people's decision to turn agricultural land into non-agricultural land is driven by various factors, including population growth and economic needs. However, the impact of the conversion of the land must be taken seriously to maintain a balance between development and environmental sustainability. Therefore, wise and participatory policies are needed from the government to manage this issue, so that agricultural land is maintained for food security and community welfare. The government must take a proactive role in managing land conversion, ensuring that the needs of the community are met while also protecting the environment and agricultural land.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

The government should establish a clear policy on land conversion, taking into account the needs of the community and the impact on the environment.
Agricultural land should be protected and preserved, through measures such as land-use planning and zoning regulations.
Community participation and engagement should be encouraged, to ensure that the needs and concerns of the community are taken into account in land-use planning and decision-making.
Education and awareness-raising programs should be implemented, to raise awareness about the importance of agricultural land and the impact of land conversion on the environment and community.

By implementing these recommendations, the government can help to manage land conversion in a way that balances the needs of the community with the need to protect the environment and agricultural land.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Transfer of Land Functions in Urban Areas

Q: What is the transfer of land functions?

A: The transfer of land functions refers to the conversion of agricultural land into non-agricultural land, such as housing, commercial, or industrial land. This can have significant impacts on the environment, community, and economy.

Q: Why is the transfer of land functions a concern?

A: The transfer of land functions can lead to a decrease in agricultural production, loss of biodiversity, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. It can also displace communities and lead to social and economic instability.

Q: What are the main drivers of land conversion?

A: The main drivers of land conversion are economic factors, such as the desire for economic growth and development, and social factors, such as the desire for modernity and a better lifestyle.

Q: How does land conversion affect the community?

A: Land conversion can lead to a loss of agricultural land, which can trigger food security problems, economic instability, and social unrest. It can also displace communities and lead to social and economic instability.

Q: What are the impacts of land conversion on the environment?

A: Land conversion can lead to a decrease in biodiversity, increased greenhouse gas emissions, and soil degradation. It can also lead to water pollution and loss of ecosystem services.

Q: What can be done to manage land conversion?

A: To manage land conversion, governments can establish clear policies on land conversion, protect and preserve agricultural land, and encourage community participation and engagement. Education and awareness-raising programs can also be implemented to raise awareness about the importance of agricultural land and the impacts of land conversion.

Q: What role can the government play in managing land conversion?

A: The government can play a proactive role in managing land conversion by establishing clear policies, protecting and preserving agricultural land, and encouraging community participation and engagement. They can also provide education and awareness-raising programs to raise awareness about the importance of agricultural land and the impacts of land conversion.

Q: What are the benefits of preserving agricultural land?

A: Preserving agricultural land can help to maintain food security, support local economies, and protect biodiversity. It can also help to mitigate the impacts of climate change and support sustainable development.

Q: How can communities be involved in land-use planning and decision-making?

A: Communities can be involved in land-use planning and decision-making through participatory approaches, such as public consultations, community engagement, and co-management. This can help to ensure that the needs and concerns of the community are taken into account in land-use planning and decision-making.

Q: What are the challenges of managing land conversion?

A: The challenges of managing land conversion include the need to balance competing interests, such as economic growth and environmental protection, and the need to engage with diverse stakeholders, including communities, businesses, and government agencies.

Q: What are the opportunities for sustainable land management?

A: The opportunities for sustainable land management include the potential to maintain food security, support local economies, and protect biodiversity. It can also help to mitigate the impacts of climate change and support sustainable development.

Q: How can education and awareness-raising programs be used to promote sustainable land management?

A: Education and awareness-raising programs can be used to raise awareness about the importance of agricultural land and the impacts of land conversion. They can also provide information on sustainable land management practices and promote community engagement and participation in land-use planning and decision-making.