THE IMPACT OF THE DECLINE IN RUBBER PRICES ON THE ECONOMY AND HEALTH OF THE SANGGAU DISTRICT COMMUNITY

Abstract

The rubber price is declining in Indonesia for export. This research examines the impact of declining rubber prices on the socio-economic conditions of rubber farmers in Balai District, Sanggau Regency, West Kalimantan. The objectives of the research are to identify the factors affecting rubber prices, analyze the impact of low rubber prices on the socio-economic conditions of farmers, and explore farmers' strategies to increase their income. The research uses a descriptive approach with a survey method involving 42 respondents determined through simple random sampling. The research results show that the price of rubber has significantly decreased from around IDR 20,000 (2005-2010) to IDR 8,000-8,500 per kilogram currently. This price decrease directly impacts farmers' income, with the majority (69.55%) earning IDR 500,000-1,000,000 per month. From a social perspective, the majority (34%) of rubber farmers' children have completed high school, with a total of 115 children from 60 respondents. The health aspect shows that high blood pressure is the most commonly suffered disease (30%), with a treatment frequency of less than twice a month (52%). Most farmers (81.73%) own their homes with an average size of 6x10 meters (43.47%) made of concrete or half concrete (34.78%) with cement floors (52.17%). Another factor affecting the economic condition is the number of children, with the majority of farmers having 4-6 children (86.95%), as well as monthly consumption expenditures of IDR 1,000,000-2,000,000. This research reveals that rubber farmers face serious economic challenges due to the decline in rubber prices, which affects various aspects of their social lives.