History, Local Wisdom “Ima Kokiriwo” Coconut Based Agroforestry and Land Use Policy in North Halmahera

For the people of North Halmahera, coconuts represent a crucial agricultural commodity, yet
information related to this topic remains relatively limited. This research aims to explore the
history, level of adoptability, and the process of coconut processing, including the role of
government policies related to land use. Phenomenological methods and snowball sampling
were employed in the research, especially in data collection through interviews, observation,
and focus group discussions (FGDs). The data were analyzed using the triangulation method,
combined with literature studies, and the level of perception was measured using a Likert scale
and quantitative analysis. The results revealed that coconut plantations were first
independently cultivated by the Dutch in 1896, while Zending began cultivation between 1902
and 1910. The harvesting and processing of coconuts into copra adhered to the local wisdom
principle "Ima Kokiriwo," which signifies working together in groups. The pattern of land use
is predominantly (92%) mixed dryland farming, with an annual addition of land area of 3.3
hectares typically occurring in dryland agricultural cover types. The findings of this research
support local government policies, particularly those related to the development of coconut
cultivation based on traditional wisdom principles. Wise land use and sustainable agroforestry
system programs have been effective in increasing land and coconut fruit productivity in North
Halmahera, despite post-harvest processing not yet significantly augmenting household
income