Policy on Forest Land Use Change for Oil Palm Plantations in Lamandau Regency, Central Kalimantan Province, Indonesia

Abstract

The conversion of forest functions has often occurred in Indonesia with the background of regional development, tourism and plantation business. The various impacts of this forest conversion can be categorized into environmental impacts, namely hydrology, erosion and sedimentation, fires, extinction of flora and fauna, and impacts on the socio-economic community around the forest. The aim of this research is to analyze the policy of forest conversion into oil palm plantations in Lamandau Regency, Central Kalimantan Province. The research was conducted using the socio-legal method with a qualitative approach which is expected to find hidden meanings behind the objects and subjects to be studied. The data in this study were obtained through observation, interviews, document interpretation (text), and personal experience. The results showed that the policy of the Lamandau Regency Regional Regulation was in accordance with the Forestry Law No. 41 of 1999 Article 48 paragraph (5). The policy is to ensure the best possible forest protection. To ensure sustainability, communities with their local wisdom are involved in forest protection efforts through the provision of assistance, services, technical assistance, education, training and socialization about forest management processes. As suggestions, State Forest Company in Lamandau Regency is expected to increase socialization to palm oil companies and communities around the Lamandau forest area regarding policies related to forest protection. For forest village communities, in order to maintain the sustainability of production forests in Lamandau Regency, they are expected to be more concerned about natural resources in production forests.