Apothem of Bagelen land in the 18th-21st centuries: agriculture, plantations, and forestry

Abstract

Background: Bagelen is a region located in Purworejo, Central Java, Indonesia. In the past, Bagelen had a very long history, from becoming an independent region, to becoming a residency, and then joining the Kedu residency. The landscape or land in the Bagelen region (Purworejo, Kebumen, Wonosobo, Banyumas, and Kedu) has undergone a long history of transformation. This study will examine the changes in the landscape or land use in the Bagelen region from the end of the 18th century to the 21st century, based on an environmental history perspective. Methods: The methods used in this study include a historical approach and other scientific approaches such as botany, linguistics, archaeology, and anthropology to strengthen the evidence related to the transformation in this region. Findings: This study found changes in land use over various periods of time. This study found that the landscape of the Bagelen region had changed; initially, the Bagelen region consisted of agricultural land, which later transformed into plantations. Furthermore, due to high demand for timber, the Dutch East Indies government implemented a reforestation project from 1875 to 1925, with the aim of profiting from the sale of timber and other agricultural products. Conclusion: However, while these landscape changes had occurred regularly over the centuries—or in accordance with soil science principles—at the beginning of the 20th century, further changes took place due to a growing population in need of land, This led to the conversion of forests—which had been reforested during the colonial era—into plantations and settlements. However, these changes were not based on sound soil science principles, resulting in natural disasters such as landslides. Novelty/ Originality of this article: The research presents an innovative environmental history of Bagelen, combining historical methodology with insights from botany and pedology.