Mapping Sentinel-2A Imagery Technology to Provide Legal Protection for Carbon-Absorbing Customary Forests in Central Kalimantan

Abstract

The inability of indigenous communities to explain and determine the objective boundaries of customary forests has become an anomaly, leaving these forests vulnerable to expansion of oil palm plantations and illegal logging. Furthermore, legal protection that provides certainty for indigenous communities in managing customary forests has not been effective. This study implements the mapping of carbon-absorbing customary forest areas using Sentinel-2A imagery technology as a basis for objectively measuring the extent of customary forests, with the aim of developing a standard concept for legal protection of customary forests. The research employs a combination of Sentinel-2A image mapping methods involving participatory community engagement. Non-doctrinal methods include exploration, observation, and in-depth interviews. Doctrinal methods involve examining issues in legislation at a macro-analytical level. The results of the mapping of Benakitan Village’s customary forest identified 20 forest boundary markers based on local community knowledge. The mapping of carbon stock calculations over an area of 1.8645 km2 revealed variable carbon storage, ranging from low (253,000-4,956,000 kg), medium (4,956,000-10,653,000 kg), to high (10,653,000-46,832,000 kg). The implementation of the mapping results aims to provide legal protection by integrating technology as an early detection monitoring tool, grounded in local wisdom and applicable customary law. Legal protection of customary forests is framed by synchronizing local wisdom values with mapping technology. The concept of legal protection for customary forests based on Sentinel-2A imagery technology interprets values such as: protection of human dignity, safeguarding human rights, pioneering justice, obligating responsibility, and recognition of local wisdom. The application of these values is abstracted into the principles embedded in each law or other regulation.