<![CDATA[Cocoa is widely cultivated in various regions in Indonesia, including South Halmahera. However, in recent years, cocoa plantations in South Halmahera Regency have experienced a significant decline. This study aims to identify and analyze the factors causing the decline in cocoa areas, describe the forms of land conversion, and determine farmers' tendencies in choosing alternative commodities on Bacan Island, South Halmahera Regency. The study was conducted from July to October 2025 in the villages of Kampung Makian, Hidayat, Sayoang, and Songa. A total of 60 farmers were selected purposively. Data were collected through interviews, field observations, and documentation, then analyzed thematically and using multiple linear regression. The results showed that the area of respondents' cocoa plantations decreased from 118 ha to 33 ha, or 72.03%. All respondents stated that their cocoa plants were attacked by pests and diseases; while fertilization and pest and disease control were rarely carried out. 78.33% of respondents had never received government assistance, and all respondents stated that they had not received special cocoa extension. Simultaneously, cultivation factors and lack of government support significantly influenced the decline in cocoa area (F=7.857; p=0.001; R²=0.216). Partially, cultivation factors were significant (B=0.176; p=0.022), while lack of government support was insignificant when both variables were analyzed together (B=0.096; p=0.208). Land use conversion was dominated by conversion to other agricultural commodities (98.33%); nutmeg was the primary choice (58.33%), and farmers cited ease of maintenance (43.33%) and perceived higher profitability (41.67%).]]>
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