Surviving and Regenerating: The True Agrarian Reform Academy and the Swallow House of the Likudengen Farmers Union (STL) in North Luwu

The Likudengen Farmers Union (STL) in North Luwu was born from the collective struggle of farmers against land grabbing by palm oil plantation companies. Since 1999, STL together with the community has been trying to reclaim their land and encourage advocacy for the resolution of agrarian conflicts at the regional level. The results of participatory mapping conducted by STL show that the land being fought for is not a palm oil plantation area, but rather settlements and community agricultural land.

Until 2018, the Likudengen Farmers Union then registered their land within the framework of the Priority Location for Agrarian Reform (LPRA). In 2022, the farmers' land became a priority area for conflict resolution, which was included in the 30 priority LPRAs that were pushed through the LPRA Task Force between the Ministry of ATR/BPN-RI and the Agrarian Reform Consortium (KPA).

While waiting for a resolution, STL began to reorganize land management within the framework of the Advanced Village Agrarian Reform (DaMaRA). This program focuses on strengthening community-based collective production by developing potential commodities such as jengkol and implementing a sustainable agricultural system. However, STL faces various challenges, especially in marketing production results, disseminating information, and limited infrastructure. 

Another challenge is the lack of understanding of the younger generation about agrarian reform and aspects of land law. Many Likudengen youth migrate to Morowali to work or go to school, so regeneration within the organization is crucial for the sustainability of STL's struggle.

For this reason, STL with the support of Nusantara Fund Direct Funding initiated efforts to strengthen the organization through two main strategies: With the main focus on two aspects: education for the younger generation and women within the framework of the True Agrarian Reform Academy (ARAS) and improving the collective economy of farmers within the scope of DaMaRA's work through the swallow's nest business.

Akademi Reforma Agraria Sejati (ARAS) – Educational materials in ARAS include agrarian history, advocacy strategies, and the role of women in agrarian reform. Around 50 STL members (including young people and women) have attended this series of classes. With ARAS, STL seeks to strengthen the struggle for land rights by empowering young people and women to become pioneers in continuing the struggle for land rights.

Construction of swiftlet houses – STL initiated a swiftlet nest business as a collective source of income for the organization. Swiftlets were chosen because of their low maintenance costs and can be run side by side with agriculture and land rehabilitation. The community was given technical training on swiftlet house construction, maintenance, and harvest management.

This swallow house business is a promising collective economic solution for STL. In addition to opening up new income opportunities, the proceeds from this business are used to support the sustainability of the agrarian struggle and strengthen the farmer movement in North Luwu. STL is not only fighting to defend their land, but also to build collective independence for the sustainability of the agrarian reform movement.