Tenurial Conflicts Within Protected Forest Management Unit (PFMU) of Tarakan, North Kalimantan

Abstract

This research aims to discuss the forms, actors involved, causes, and alternative solutions in regards to tenurial conflicts occurring within the protected forest management unit of Tarakan. We used a qualitative approach using in-depth interviews, observation, and taking field notes. Participants of the study were selected using purposive and snowball sampling. The conflicts are aroused when indigenous communities claim that the forests belong to them. Others include local entrepreneurs who encroach and occupy forestland for settlement, agriculture, and farming. Many cases showed that members of local communities buy and sell forest land. The leading causes of conflicts include unclear boundaries of forests, poor law enforcement, the dualism of forest authority, and ego sectoral of government agencies. To resolve the conflicts, we empowerment of communities through forestry partnership, law enforcement, strengthening of agencies both for the Protected Forest Management Unit (PFMU) of Tarakan and the Community to support the implementation of forestry partnership.