THE ROLE OF CUSTOMARY INSTITUTIONS FOR AGRICULTURAL COMMUNITIES AND AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION

1 Doctoral Programme in Agricultural Sciences, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia. Email: s.budiunimal@gmail.com Agriculture Faculty, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia. Email: humamhamid@yahoo.com 3 Agriculture Faculty, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia. Email: lonfajri@gmail.com 4 Agriculture Faculty, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia. Email: agussabti@unsyiah.ac.id *Corresponding author


INTRODUCTION
Institutions play an important role in agricultural development in Indonesia.A development approach that is similar to the production approach, by means of new cultivation techniques, can not solve all the agricultural problems, especially on the use of rural farmers' resources.Many agricultural problems can only be solved through partnerships from various institutions existing in rural farming societies.In the community, several institutions can be found that have the function of regulating the attitudes and behavior of its citizens which is also a guide for them on interacting with each other.
As a part of society in Indonesia, the people of Aceh have local wisdom in managing rice farming through customary institutions named Keujruen Blang.The role of Keujruen Blang as a custom institution is regulated in Aceh Official Regulations (Qanun) no 10 on customary institutions, while its duties were stipulated in the Governor Regulation of Aceh no.45, 2015.Another familiar institution that manage irrigation system is Subak that was found in Bali, Indonesia.Referring to various studies, Sriartha et al. (2015) noted that "subak can be used as a model of harmonious community life and management of sustainable resources at scale of wider areas and communities".
Based on Qanun no 10, , the roles of Keujruen Blang are; (1) setting the division of water to the rice farmers, (2) determining and coordinating the schedule of planting rice (3) resolving disputes between rice farmers (4) coordinating khanduri blang (a customary ceremony done by farmers in Aceh Province in which they pray for their planting then eat together), (5) socializing and imposing sanctions on farmers who violate customary law and (6) picking up small contributions from the rice farming community.
Keujruen Blang is an indigenous tool within the Acehnese community that has the duty and responsibility to organize, assist and cultivate rice farmers including irrigation water userassociation.It support Dick (2014) who believe that collective action through customary institutions or newly developed user groups, and even market mechanism can play a role in the development of irrigation systems.Particularly, Narata et al. (2015) also emphasize the participation of water user association member in improving water management efficiency.
In Aceh, like in in Japan as reported by Arase et al. (2016), irrigation is mainly connected with rice fields.The role of Keujruen Blang is considered to be quite dominant in empowering the farmers, as it performs tasks such as coordinating clean-up cleaning activities, coordinating channel tracking up to water sources, dividing water up to the rice fields, helping Geuchiek (the head of a village) to coordinate khanduri blang activities, and resolve the problems that arise between members of the community with regard to disputes over the distribution of water and agricultural land in the fields.
The existence of agricultural extension partnership with Keujruen Blang institution that has been rooted in the farming community provides an opportunity to answer various obstacles in rural farming process, so as to support the improvement of living and welfare level for the farming community.It is in line with Wheeler et al. (2017) as cited by Pittock et al. (2017) who note that "extension services were identified as the main source for information for the majority of irrigation farmers, and it was also found that those who use irrigation extension services are more likely to adopt hard-technology innovation.Indraningsih, Sugihen, Tjitropranoto, Asngari and Wijayanto (2010) also stated that the role of agricultural extension can only be felt by the farmer group members only.More time was spent for administrative activities compared to extension activities, as well as the burden of the target area to 3-6 villages for each extension worker.This condition requires an agricultural extension partnership system with various parties including customary institutions in order to ease the burden and synergy between innovation producers, extension agents and farmers as well as to manage and develop irrigation system.It is in line with Dick (2014) who noted that "the development of irrigation systems that serve more than one farm require coordination systems and some form of property rights to at least identify who has what rights to use, manage, and exclude others from the associated land, infrastructure, and water".Furthermore, Ojcha and Morin (2001) and Agussabti (2002) also argued that the partnership will increase the effectiveness of empowerment to the community.The key to successful partnerships is complementary business.To achieve this complementary there must be mutual understanding and respect for the strengths and weaknesses of each.Based on this background, this study aims to find out the role of Keujruen Blang in implementing agricultural extension model for rice seed farmers in Aceh Utara Regency, Aceh Province.Therefore, this study aims to determine the role of Keujruen Blang in the implementation of agricultural extension model for rice seed farmers in Aceh, Indonesia.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This research conducted in Sawang District, North Aceh Regency.The population of this study were keujruen blang, agricultural extension agents and member of rice farmer association named 'Sapue Pakat' who participated in the agricultural extension program of North Aceh Regency government with universities-Bogor Agriculture Institute and Syiah Kuala University.The population in this study also became a sample.The total population to be sampled in this study amounted to 128 farmers, 34 agricultural extension agents and 4 keujruen blang at different level.All of them were surveyed The scope of the study was limited only to see the role of Keujruen Blang in the implementation of an agricultural extension model for rice farmers.The research objects were agricultural extension agentsand members of farmer association who have given the assessment to role of Keujruen Blang in implementing agricultural extension model for rice seed farmers.
To measure and analyze the data, the authors used Likert-scale scoring data.The authors distributed the questionnaires for all farmers, agricultural extension agents and keujruen blang who were sampled in this study.The questionnaires were served in closed forms using the five-point Likert Scale.Beside questionnaires, the author also conducted interviews with 34 agricultural extension agents and 4 Keujruen Blang at different levels to obtain in-depth information about the subject of this study.
The data covered the indicators of Keujruen Blang's role which consist of; (1) set the division of water to the rice farmers, (2) determine and coordinate the schedule of planting rice (3) resolving disputes between rice farmers (4) coordinating khanduri blang (5) socializing and imposing sanctions on farmers who violate customary law and (6) pick up small contributions from the rice farming community.Besides, this research also attempt to see the role of the Keujruen Blang in assisting the work of agricultural extension workers.The role can be seen through indicators such as (1) implementation of simultaneous cultivation (2) helping farmers in water management(3) extension workers are given the opportunity to convey agricultural information, (4) liaison of agricultural aspirations to extension agents and government, and (5) assisting extension agents in the development of farmer groups.

RESULT AND DISCUSSION
In Aceh, agricultural extension agents have long established cooperation with Keujruen Blang institutions.This is based on mutual interest in the role of each institution.Information from Keujruen Blang institute on rice farming activity in Aceh Province is very useful for the perpetrator of agriculture extension activity, such as information about khanduri blang activities, planting schedule and distribution of irrigation water in one area.The information will be aligned with agricultural extension practices that cover the implementation stage, the materials, methods and intensity of extension conducted for seed farmers at this research site.
Table 1 demonstrates that in general, seed farmers in the research location assessing Keujruen Blang institutions play a role in farming activities of breeding seeds that they do.It is in line with Azis (2018) who found that 85.5% of respondents gave a positive answer to the existence of the Keujruen blang customary institution in increasing the rice production of farmers in Manggeng, Aceh Barat Daya, Indonesia.The institutional role of Keujruen Blang that has been rooted in the farming community in this research location is also difficult to be replaced by government institutions such as Water User Association prevailing throughout the archipelago.The role of Keujruen Blang in determining and coordinating the schedule of rice planting is also considered to be very significant.By following the schedule, farmers are able to start rice cultivation activities simultaneously then facilitate the process of applying innovation, pest and disease control and distribution of irrigation water.

Table1. Value of Role Index of
Determination of the schedule begins with a meeting conducted by keujruen syik.At the meeting, there are all Geuchiek, Imum Mukim (the head of government under subdistrcit area), agricultural extension workers, Keujruen Blang at gampong level, and elements of the district government.In the meeting, it is determined the schedule of rice planting, khanduri blang day and irrigation water distribution.Meanwhile, the extension workers conveyed which rice seed that should be sown in this growing season and information if there is a government assistance program to farmers in the study location.
After the district-level meeting on the schedule of rice planting, Keujruen Blang at gampong level coordinates the implementation of gotong royong (an activity done by farmers to clean irrigation channels).All farmers in the area should attend unless then there is a provision that is must pay some money to Keujruen Blang to replace the farmer's absence at the time of gotong royong.
The role of Keujruen Blang in resolving disputes between rice farmers is also very significant.The forms of disputes resolved by the institution and the village apparatus are limited only to the regulation of water and disputes in the cultivation process on rice field.Any form of dispute on water regulation and farming process among farmers is reported to Keujruen Blang at gampong level and then discussed with the gampong apparatus and imum mukim to find a solution based on customary law.Some forms of dispute obtained in the research location are the case of seizure of water, the destruction of water channels, illegal water taking, and the destruction of crops by livestock.Completion of the dispute between farmers always involves Keujruen Blang either directly or indirectly (only asked for his opinion).Usually custom settlement of disputes is adhered to and obeyed by the parties to the dispute.
The role of Keujruen Blang in coordinating the implementation of khanduri blang is also considered significant in the study location.In implementing khanduri blang, Keujruen Blang coordinates with keujruen syik, religious leaders and agricultural extension workers.Keujruen Blang announces the schedule of khanduri blang and what preparations should be brought by each farmer.In addition to the provision of farmers, Keujruen Blang also prepares supplies in accordance with the farmers' contributions earned in the previous planting season.The procedure of khanduri blang generally is done by slaughtering animals such as chickens or ducks.Some gampong also butcher sheep.The skin sheep then is cut into pieces and placed in the rice field area.
The extension workers at the time of khanduri blang are given the opportunity to conduct extension by giving information about the procedure of land, nursery and planting.While the religious leaders lead prayer activities for the safety and smoothness of farming activities that will be done.
There are two implementations of khanduri blang coordinated by keujruen in one planting season; (1) starting to plan (tron u blang) and (2) post planting (tob blang).But there are also some farmers who do khanduri blang once again when ready to harvest, but this khanduri blang is not coordinated by Keujruen Blang.Based on information from Keujruen Blang, the implementation of khanduri blang becomes routine that must be done although with self-help preparation and a little fund from membership fee.The extension workers seek to take advantage of opportunities to inform counselling and information from the government because the participation of rice farmers to attend khanduri blang is very high.
The role of Keujruen Blang in giving socialization and sanction for unlawful farmers is considered significant.Socialization is usually done at the time of khanduri blang activities by delivering the customary law of rice farming and new agreement which resulted in the meeting at Keujruen Syik level.Based on the researchers' observations in the research location, because the socialization is done on the activities of khanduri blang, not all farmers focus on listening to socialization because they involve in cooking activities to prepare food menu for khanduri blang.
About sanctions imposed on those who violate customary law of rice farming, there is a shift in which Keujruen Blang is not the principal institution that imposes sanctions, but it still involved in decision-making sanctions given to customary lawbreakers.It is in line with Yulia et. al (2012) who reported that in the settlement of the dispute, keujruen blang is still coordinating with geuchiek.
Sanctions are granted by gampong apparatus in accordance with reusam (social regulation at gampong level) which in detail regulates the forms of sanctions granted to indigenous law-violator farmers.The sanctions for instance, when there is a fight and the blood get out, the guilty party is required to butcher a goat for peusijuek (one of customary ceremony in Aceh).Another form of sanction also involves paying a penalty to a party whose crops are damaged by other peasant livestock.In this case, paying a penalty is not only to the farmers whose crops are damaged but also to customary institutions which are then referred to as livestock redemption.The fund is managed by the gampong apparatus for the operations and ceremonial activities of the indigenous communities.
The role of Keujruen Blang in picking up small contributions to the rice farming community is in the last rank but it is also significant.The contribution picking is done by Keujruen Blang at harvest time.The contribution is in the crops form in the amount of which is adjusted to the area owned by the farmers who get water regulation services by Keujruen Blang at gampong level.The amount of contribution is also in accordance with the agreement of meeting during khanduri blang in every planting season.
The allocation of contributions is divided into 3 (three) allocations including (1) the salary of Keujruen Blang, (2) the cost of khanduri blang and (3) the village cash for customary institutional activities with the composition (40: 30: 30).Along with the prospect of profit value (profit) obtained by the Keujruen Blang then every year more and more people are interested to be elected as Keujruen Blang at gampong level.Based on the information from Keujruen Blang, in every season planting (4 months), one Keujruen Blang commonly gets Rp. 5.200.000 up to 6.000.000from the farmers' contribution.This variation is highly depends on the crops picked and the price of rice that prevailed during the harvest.
According to Yulia et al. (2012), the contribution picking has become a common practice and is considered very helpful in maintaining the harmonization and social dynamics of rice farmers in rural Aceh province.Furthermore, Putra, Hariadi, and Harsoyo (2012) note that indirectly, Keujruen Blang activities also helps the success of farmer empowerment activities in establishing good communication and coordination as well as the success of agricultural development activities for the farming community.
In addition to being felt by farmers, the role of Keujruen Blang is also felt by agricultural extension workers.Some of the roles of Keujruen Blang in assisting agricultural extension work can be seen through indicators (1) implementation of simultaneous cultivation (2) helping farmers in water management(3) extension workers are given the opportunity to convey agricultural information, (4) liaison of agricultural aspirations to extension agents and government, and (5) assisting extension agents in the development of farmer groups.The results of the perception of the role of agricultural extension partnerships with Keujruen Blang can be seen in Table 2.
Table 2 shows that a very large role is the aid of evenly regulating water according to the needs of rice plants at each stage of the development of rice plants.Availability of water amid global climate change with a good regulatory system will make agricultural land productive and produce high production.This is in line with the findings of the benefits of the Subak system water management in the Balinese and the Nagari Padang laweh Malalo system for the people of West Sumatra (David and Ploeger, 2014).Extension workers and farmers also strongly agreed that the existence of Keujruen Blang was very helpful in the simultaneous planting program.Simultaneous planting has a positive impact on the maintenance of rice plants.Simultaneous planting allows reduced pest attacks due to the breakdown of the pest cycle due to simultaneous land cultivation in one area.Simultaneous planting is inseparable from the stages of farming activities established by the Keujruen Blang for all farmers in an area in Aceh Province.The stage starts from the schedule of descending, seeding, planting until the harvest.
During this time, according to farmers' acknowledgment, the majority of farmers in the research location were very obedient to the farming schedule rules stipulated by the party of Keujruen Blang.This role indirectly influences food security for rice farming communities and is also able to contribute to increased production.
A series of activities held by Keujruen Blang institutions involving large numbers of farmers were also often used by extension agents to convey a number of technologies for wetland rice cultivation and other information planned by the government.Keujruen Blang in ceremonial descent into the rice fields (khanduri Blang) often gives instructors 30 to 60 minutes to convey important information such as refresher land management methods, seeding the initial planting and fertilizing seeds.According to the extension instructor, this opportunity is very meaningful to socialize programs and events for the transfer of new technology to farmers in the cultivation of paddy rice.
Another opportunity that is often given by the Keujruen Blang institution to extension workers is when the farmers are gathered at the Toep Blang festive activity (thanksgiving when planting riceis finished).On the occasion, the instructor conveyed the method of continued fertilization, pest and disease control, harvesting, post-harvest handling and various alternative market information produced by farmers.At the same time Keujruen Blang also had the opportunity to reiterate a number of customary rules for farmers that must be a concern during a production cycle.
So far, the concept developed by Keujreun Blang synergized with agricultural extension agents.Based on interview results with Keujruen Blang, the concept are as follows: 1).Water is a blessing for a shared life that must be grateful.Therefore, water must be managed properly and fairly for prosperity and mutual welfare.
2).The values of togetherness and mutual cooperation among farmers are taken through the management of several traditional ceremonies.The ceremony is a.Khanduri Abah Lueng.This ceremony is carried out by rice farmers in one sub-district in every year.This ceremony functions as: a).increasing the togetherness of rice farmers in the same irrigation area.b).eradicate rats, snails and other pests in wider rice fields and c).reduce the attack of pests when the rice produces grains.
b. Khanduri Blang.This ceremony was coordinated by Keujruen Cut, carried out at the village level and usually held by paddy farmers after the Khanduri Abah Lueng ceremony at the sub-district level. c.

Khanduri Rhet
Bijeh.This ceremony is often referred to as Khanduri Nabi Adam.
d. Khanduri when rice is attacked by pests.There is no special name for this ceremony.

3). Concept of Environmental Management through Self-financing
In order to increase the source of funds, Keujreun Blang can take several techniques in accordance with Qanun Number 10 year 2005.They are cover a).contributions, which are obtained at harvest in accordance with the area of land managed by each farmer, b).donations or other non-binding assistance, c).other businesses that are lawful and d).finances violation funds.
To increase the source of funds, Keujreun Blang is also allowed to conduct farming or cooperatives.This last activity has not been implemented in almost all research areas in Aceh.Even though the sources of funds have already been mentioned in the qanun, there is no Keujreun Chiek requesting funds from farmers in accordance with this points.
4).The concept of channel security and maintenance, channel construction and irrigation is generally carried out by the Department of Water Public Works.However, safeguards and treatments, especially tertiary and quaternary channels, are carried out through joint efforts of local rice farmers' members by strengthening the spirit of togetherness of members.
The research results showed that farmers consider Keujruen Blang as a potential party to connect farmers' aspirations with the government or other parties related to the empowerment of farmers.The cooperation between the Keujruen Blang institution and the farmers was also felt by extension agents in developing farmer groups.This is inseparable from the contribution of Keujruen Blang who actively shares information and becomes one of the parties connecting the aspirations of farmers with the government.

CONCLUSION
In general, rice seed farmers consider that Keujruen Blang plays a significant role in the process of rice farming cultivation.In order of importance the role of Keujruen Blang on seed farmers was: (1) Set the allocation of water to rice farmers, (2) Determine and coordinate the schedule of planting rice, (3) Resolving disputes between rice farmers, (4) Coordinating khanduri blang, (5) socializing and imposing sanctions on farmers who violate customary law and (6) pick up small contributions from the rice farming community.Keujruen Blang's role was very helpful for extension workers in delivering information and implementation of innovations delivered for seed farmers.We recommend to increase the involvement of Keujruen Blang in formulating the extension work planin the implementation and evaluation of the extension program to increase farmers' production and welfare.In addition, the cooperation between the Keujruen Blang institution and the farmers was also acknowledged by agriculture extension agents in developing farmer groups.The agriculture extension agents stated that the Keujruen Blang was instrumental in assisting farmers, especially in regulating water and in the implementation of simultaneous cultivation.This is because Keujruen Blang was always actively sharing information and was one of the links between the aspirations of farmers and the government and other relevant parties.
Zhang et al. (2013) of Keujruen Blang in arranging the distribution of water is very significant.The role of the Keujruen Blang to regulate water distribution is a key role in comparison with a number of other roles implemented by customary institutions of Keujruen Blang.The implementation of water distribution is done by Keujruen Blang in accordance with the agreement of the distribution of irrigation water.In that case, even if the farmers live in one area, they may get the turn of irrigation water with different schedule.This condition cannot be separated from the arrangement made by Keujruen Syik (Keujruen Blang at subdistrict level) in irrigation water management.It supportsRosegrant and Cai, (2002);Yang et al.  (2003)as cited byZhang et al. (2013)who argues that "technical innovations as well as water policy and management reforms are required to improve water use efficiency in agriculture to meet growing food demands".So far, if the farmer is constrained in getting water then the first institution once contacted is Keujruen Blang at gampong level.According to the farmers' perception, during this time, farmers' report to Keujruen Blang about irrigation water constraints always get follow up to solve the problem of water availability.The coordination of Keujruen Blang institutions both at village level and sub-district level with farmers and agricultural extension workers is very good.All activities about extension and agriculture innovation are coordinated with Keujruen Blang to ensure that the program has supported the availability of water at every stage of rice cultivation process conducted by farmers.

Table 2 .
The role of agricultural extension partnerships with Keujruen Blang