Power Struggle over Indonesia's Forestland: The Role of Stakeholder Engagement

Abstract

"Forest decentralization policies in Indonesia continue to face challenges despite improvements in the legal basis and institutional arrangements. One critical issue relates to increased demands by local governments for the conversion of forestland, including production, protection and even conservation areas, into areas used for nonforestry purposes to support local development and secure local livelihoods. The Ministry of Forestry, with its exclusive power over the country's forestland, enters into difficult negotiations with most of the local governments that are granted extensive authority for many government affairs under decentralization. Drawing particularly on research in two districts in Jambi Province, and similar cases from other provinces, the paper describes how parties use their power and resources in the struggle for control of land designated as forestland, and how local people who are affected by the authorities' decisions make collective efforts to secure their rights to land. This trend to convert forestland appears to contradict the country's commitment to anticipate climate change and reduce emissions by maintaining intact forests. The paper highlights the roles of facilitated stakeholder engagement and collective action among local people in building shared understanding of disputed issues and identifying opportunities for consensus."