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Abstract:
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"This paper explains about LePMIL2 experiences in facilitating conflict resolution and forest management since 2002 by using participatory multi-stakeholder approaches in the Murhum and Nanga-Nanga Papalia Forest Parks in Southeast Sulawesi.
"The Nipa Nipa forest was designated as Murhum Forest Park by the Indonesian Forest Minister in letter No. 296, in 1995. The forest covers an area of 7,877.5 ha and managed under BKSDA.. Nanga-Nanga forest is a protected forest area as well as a production forest. It is 8,700 ha in size and managed under the authority of The Local Department for Forest and Environment of the city of Kendari.
"However, in 1998, based on the decision of the national Forest Minister letter number 62, the authority to manage Murhum Forest Park was taken from the Central government and given to the Province. In fact, the official transfer of the authority was not completed until 2002.
Kendari bay is used as a regional center for fishing industry as a regional and local harbor and as a center of development for every other informal economic sector in South East Sulawesi.
"There is great potential here, but it is yet to be managed optimally and if the situation does not change, the conditions will surely degrade. This situation has occurred due to extensive conflict involving the management of Murham and Nanga-Nanga Forest Parks which is in urgent need of conflict resolution.
"There are many aspects to this conflict originating from the declaration of the forests as Forest Parks and their management plans. Regarding park boundaries, the community claimed they had cultural rights to the land but the management plan called for resettlement of all the people living within the forest park boundaries.
"A Reform Movement was held in 1998 empowering the original people, who had been resettled, to flow back into the area and cultivate the fields they had previously left. Conflict between the provincial and city government regarding the management of Murham Forest Park also contributed to the lack of protection provided for the area. For these reasons, LePMIL decided to facilitate steps toward conflict resolution and achieving peace through dialogues.
"LePMIL designed and used eight steps of facilitation which include (1) the continuation of developing knowledge and skill of facilitators, (2) identifying and involving of strategic partners from both non-government and government, (3) identifying the resources of conflicts and develop understanding among stakeholders, (4) capacity building through community organizer and government organizer, (5) developing dialog among stakeholders in order to reach a new agreement, (6) developing stakeholders action plan following the new agreement, (7) maintaining and ensuring that stakeholders implement the agreement and action plan, and (8) institutionalizing any agreements into local laws.
"On July 18-19, 2002 the first agreement between the community and the government in the conflict resolution process was reached. It is a 7-point agreement and was the successful result of a very difficult negotiation process. It is not the end of the story. More has to be done by applying the on going method in order to reach a 'permanent' solution."
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