Local Wisdom-Based Pineapple Farming in Arfak Mountains Found Sustainable, but Market Access Remains a Challenge
Pineapple cultivation in Catubouw Village, located in Arfak Mountains Regency, is still carried out using traditional methods passed down through generations and has been found to be environmentally sustainable. This was revealed in a study by Amestina Matualage, together with Yolanda Holle and Wellem Warsibor Wondiwoy from Papua University. Published in 2026, the study shows that local wisdom-based farming can preserve pineapple quality naturally, but farmers continue to face major barriers in infrastructure and market access. The findings are significant because they demonstrate that indigenous farming practices do not only preserve cultural heritage but can also support sustainable agriculture at a time when eco-friendly food production is gaining global attention. Pineapples from Catubouw are known for their distinctive natural sweetness, despite being cultivated without chemical fertilizers or modern agricultural technology.
Traditional farming remains strong in West Papua
The Arfak Mountains region is known as one of the areas where indigenous agricultural systems are still actively maintained. In Catubouw, pineapple fields are managed on customary family-owned land. Every stage of cultivation, from land clearing to harvesting, is carried out by members of the nuclear family through collective labor. According to the researchers, this system reflects the strong connection between economic activity and the social values of the local community. Land is not merely a production asset but also a cultural inheritance passed down through generations.
Direct survey of 20 farmers
The study was conducted between October and November 2025 in Catubouw Village. The research team used a descriptive survey approach, combining field observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. A total of 20 farmers were selected as respondents based on recommendations from community leaders and experienced local farmers who possessed knowledge of traditional pineapple cultivation. This approach allowed the researchers to capture firsthand insights into indigenous agricultural practices.
“Tikam kayu” technique without chemical inputs
One of the most notable findings was the use of a traditional planting technique called “tikam kayu”, which means making planting holes by piercing the soil with wooden sticks. Farmers then plant pineapple seedlings using crowns or suckers taken from previous harvests. This method is practiced without:
-intensive soil tillage,
-raised planting beds,
-chemical fertilizers,
-artificial irrigation systems.
Crop maintenance relies solely on manual weeding and natural pest control. This keeps production costs low while preserving soil quality.
Naturally sweet fruit, but low prices
Despite the simple methods, the pineapples produced are considered high quality. The researchers found that Catubouw pineapples have a naturally sweeter taste than many commercially grown pineapples from other regions. This is likely due to the combination of mountain soil, cool climate, and chemical-free cultivation practices. However, this superior quality has not translated into higher farmer incomes. Most harvests are sold in Manokwari, but high transportation costs keep farm-gate prices low. Some of the harvest is consumed by households because distribution to wider markets remains difficult.
The main issue is distribution, not production
The study emphasizes that the main challenge lies not in the ability of farmers to produce pineapples, but in transportation and distribution systems. Key constraints identified include:
-limited transportation access from the village to urban markets,
-high logistics costs,
-narrow market reach,
-absence of local pineapple processing industries.
As a result, the economic potential of Catubouw pineapples has not been fully realized, despite their recognized taste and quality.
Important for sustainable agriculture
The study shows that indigenous local wisdom can serve as a relevant model for sustainable agriculture in the future. The farming system in Catubouw fulfills three major dimensions:
-ecological, because it minimizes chemical use and protects soil fertility;
-social, because it relies on family and customary community cooperation;
-economic, because it produces a high-value commodity.
Amestina Matualage from Papua University argues that the best strategy is not to replace traditional systems with modern agriculture entirely, but to combine local wisdom with simple innovations such as post-harvest processing, packaging, and digital market access.
Implications for government and business
The findings have direct implications for agricultural policy and rural development in West Papua. For local governments, the study suggests the need to:
-improve roads to production centers,
-expand market access between regions,
-support local pineapple processing industries,
-strengthen agriculture programs based on indigenous communities.
For businesses, Catubouw pineapples could be developed as a premium Papua product, marketed under organic farming and indigenous heritage branding. With stronger management, this commodity has the potential to enter tourism markets, hospitality industries, and the growing healthy food sector.
Author profile
Amestina Matualage, S.P., M.P. is an academic at Papua University specializing in local agriculture, agribusiness, and sustainable farming systems in Papua.
Yolanda Holle focuses on agricultural sociology and indigenous community studies, while Wellem Warsibor Wondiwoy specializes in tropical agronomy and mountain agricultural resource management.
Research source
Article title: Pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.) Cultivation Based on Local Wisdom in Catubouw Village, Arfak Mountains Regency, Indonesia
Journal: International Journal of Applied and Advanced Multidisciplinary Research, Vol. 4 No. 3 (2026)
 Merr.) Cultivation Based on Local Wisdom in Catubouw Village, Arfak Mountains Regency, Indonesia){kind=link}
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