Keberlanjutan Perkebunan Karet Rakyat di Provinsi Riau

The rubber plantation sector is a strategic sector that contributes significantly to economic development. The decline in rubber production in Riau Province poses a serious challenge to the sustainability of smallholder rubber plantations. This research aims to assess the sustainability index of smallholder rubber plantations and identify the factors that influence it. Primary data was obtained from interviews, discussions, and questionnaires, while secondary data came from the Central Bureau of Statistics and the Department of Plantation, with a sample size of 120 using purposive sampling technique. The RAP Rubber method with Multi Dimensional Scaling (MDS) approach was used to determine the sustainability status. The sustainability index of smallholder rubber plantations in Riau Province is 38.40, categorized as less sustainable, with economic index value of 26.67, social index of 37.26, and ecological index of 51.29. Sensitive atribute include price fluctuations, rubber prices, pesticide use (economic); land clearing techniques, LCC plant knowledge, number of tapping days (ecological); farmer-trader social relationships, education level, and availability of extension services (social). Sustainability can be improved by the government and relevant parties addressing sensitive attributes.