Rattan futures in Katingan: why do smallholders abandon or keep their gardens in Indonesia

This study addresses the question of why smallholders in Katingan abandon or keep their rattan gardens in Indonesia’s ‘Rattan District’. During 2003–2013, Katingan district has the official vision of becoming the centre of rattan production and trade in Indonesia. With support from the national government, Katingan strives to develop the local rattan industry and, thus, seeks to turn rattan cultivation into an attractive commodity for local livelihoods, as has been envisioned by nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) as well. In the context of these visions, predictions, futures surrounding the ‘social life’ of rattan in Katingan, this paper seeks to understand the situation on the ground. Rather than exploring these diverse visions, their associated initiatives and any gaps between vision and practice, the author asks,‘Do people in Katingan abandon their rattan gardens or not? Why? And, since people’s decision making is at the interface of past experience, present conditions and an
anticipated future, what vision do smallholders in Katingan hold for their rattan gardens?’