Sustaining Mangrove and Rainforests: Land Rights and Collective Action in Indonesia

Abstract

This study explores land right transfer and collective action as strategies for sustaining mangrove and rainforests in Indonesia. Qualitative methods were employed, and 45 informants were interviewed in purposively selected locations. Historical analysis was used to examine forest management, while an Institutional Analysis Development framework was used to assess sustainability. The study found that the land rights regime for mangrove and rainforests has different mechanisms for sustainability. The legal aspects of mangrove forests rely on community awareness and proper management, while rainforest land rights are granted by the government for educational and research purposes. Collective action was identified as a suitable management strategy. Effective control of the situation requires stakeholder cooperation, and effective regulation implementation is necessary for managing the unique forest. Future research should focus on understanding the community's capacity to understand forest characteristics, mapping the interests and powers of forest managers, and applying forest sustainability principles.