Ragandhi, A., Hadna, A.H., Setiadi, S. and Maryudi, A., 2021. Why do greater forest tenure rights not enthuse local communities? An early observation on the new community forestry scheme in state forests in Indonesia. Forest and Society, 5(1), pp.159-166. doi.org/10.24259/fs.v5i1.11723
Abstract
The Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry recently issued a 35-year permit-based social forestry, called Izin Pemanfaatan Hutan Perhutanan Sosial (IPHPS), which was implemented in forestlands managed by the State Forest Corporation (SFC). IPHPS is a unique scheme because social forestry permits were previously granted on forestland unencumbered with rights. It provides more secure tenure rights (long-term permits), greater decision-making authority, and improved profit-sharing arrangements compared with the SFC’s co-management model. However, IPHPS has not attracted widespread interest from local communities. This paper aims to identify and to analyse factors that explain local communities’ low interest in the policy. Results show that local communities have not been attracted by the scheme because it requires them to undertake substantial investments in reforestation and make several payments to the government beyond their means. This paper highlights the specific challenges related to access mechanisms and benefits to local communities from the granted rights. Lastly, local communities were prone to manipulative persuasion by the SFC to continue the co-management model.
Runtuboi, Y. Y., Permadi, D. B., Sahide, M. A. K., & Maryudi, A. (2021). Oil palm plantations, forest conservation and indigenous peoples in West Papua province: what lies ahead?. Forest and Society, 5(1), 23-31. doi.org/10.24259/fs.v5i1.11343
Abstract
Oil palm plantations are currently expanding to the eastern part of Indonesia, especially into West Papua province. Many oil palm permits issued in West Papua occupy intact biodiversity-rich forest areas which have essential value for indigenous Papuans’ socio-cultural life. This article discusses expansion of oil palm plantations in West Papua province, and its impacts on forests and indigenous people. It also assesses whether the plantations fit the Special Autonomy Law and Sustainable Development Regulation goals of the province. In general, plantations are being established in forest areas, and further planned expansion threatens intact and biodiversity-rich forests. In addition, plantation development rarely considers the sociocultural issues of indigenous Papuans. As a result, customary rights and institutions are commonly overlooked, undermined, or violated. Oil palm plantations are not necessarily compatible with sustainable development goals, and need to reconcile its overall economic and conservation agenda.
Meilani, M., Andayani, W., Faida, L. R. W., Susanti, F. D., Myers, R., & Maryudi, A. 2021. Symbolic consultation and cultural simplification in the establishment of an Indonesian national park and its impacts on local livelihoods. Forest and Society, 5(2), 494-505.
Abstract
This paper analyzes the processes by which the Sebangau National Park in Central Kalimantan (Indonesia) was established, along with the management activities implemented and the impacts of such activities on local communities. Employing an environmental justice lens, which revolved around procedural, recognition, and distribution issues, we found that local communities were not adequately consulted or involved in the establishment and management of the national park. Furthermore, approaches to mitigate the adverse impacts failed to fully consider the diverse cultures and customs with different livelihood strategies surrounding the park. The research also found that the options made available for local livelihoods were limited and did not meet specific needs and demands of certain ethnic groups. Overall, the transformation of the Sebangau production forest into a conservation area significantly disrupted local livelihoods and led to pronounced adverse economic, social, and cultural impacts. Thus, adequate attention to environmental justice must be made if park authorities are to improve the social acceptability of the national park. They should meaningfully engage the local communities in decision-making procedures related to park management, because they are directly impacted by the park. The authorities should also understand the different sociocultural aspects related to the local people surrounding the park and their different needs and livelihood strategies. Finally, the livelihood alternatives should be carefully assessed, and locals should be adequately consulted to ensure that these are socially and culturally accepted.