Model of conflict resolution at KHDTK Carita through participatory action research

Abstract

The Minister of Environment and Forestry has designated 52 units of Special Purpose Forest Areas (KHDTK) in 2015, in which the Research Development and Innovation Agency manages 35 units with an area of 37,569 ha. In fact, almost all of the KHDTK areas are inseparable from land conflicts with local communities, including in KHDTK Carita. More than 600 farmers have encroached 80% of the area by developing non-forestry crops. This study aims to provide a policy recommendation for conflict resolution in KHDTK and encourage the acceleration of implementation and achievement of national priority policy targets for social forestry. For this study, a participatory action research (PAR) approach is used to encourage social change at the local level and policies at national level. The results of the study reveal that there are two types of conflict namely management conflict involving three different institutions, and utilization conflict involving residents who live in two different villages. A combination of a local elite approach and a formal (legality) approach are needed in conflict resolution. Recognition and protection of forestry partnerships (Kulin KK) is also one of the solutions offered in conflict resolution.