Evaluasi Infrastruktur Dasar dan Arah Pengembangan Pertanian di Kawasan Transmigrasi Mahalona Luwu Timur

Abstract

The Mahalona Transmigration Area in East Luwu Regency, South Sulawesi possesses substantial agricultural land resources; however, the development of major commodities remains constrained by limited supporting infrastructure and uncertainties in land management. This study aims to evaluate the conditions of basic infrastructure—including irrigation, transportation, essential services, and the sustainability of land and settlement management—and to formulate strategic recommendations for area development based on local potential, particularly irrigation resources in Mahalona. The research methods include mapping basic infrastructure and conducting spatial analysis of agricultural resources through field observations, in-depth interviews, and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with key stakeholders. The results indicate that the land has a fairly good suitability level for rice and pepper cultivation, yet its utilization is not optimal due to inadequate irrigation, the unrealized development of rice fields on some community lands, limited access to clean water in several settlement units, and disparities in access to education and healthcare facilities concentrated in Settlement Unit 1 (SP-1). This study highlights that strengthening basic infrastructure, reorganizing the spatial structure of the area, and improving land governance and essential services are critical prerequisites for promoting more sustainable livelihoods in the Mahalona Transmigration Area.