Salsa Rizkia Meilinda, Darmawan Salman, Sawedi Muhammad

Conflict and Compromise, Discourse and Action: Political Ecology in the Complexity of Land Management in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia

Introduction

Conflict and compromise, discourse and action: political ecology in the complexity of land management in central kalimantan, indonesia. Explore political ecology in Central Kalimantan's peatland management. This study analyzes stakeholder conflicts, power, and knowledge to propose sustainable solutions for Indonesia's peatlands.

Abstract

Peatlands in Mantangai District, Central Kalimantan, have emerged as a site of contention among many stakeholders with differing interests, illustrating the intricacies of natural resource management in Indonesia. This research seeks to examine the contestation process, identify main actors, and comprehend how various forms of knowledge and power influence the results of peatland management. This research employs a case study method with a qualitative approach, incorporating direct observation, in-depth interviews, and document analysis to achieve a thorough knowledge of the dynamics of contestation. The findings indicate three primary viewpoints in peatland management: eco-conservationism exemplified by Mawas Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF), eco-developmentalism illustrated by the government's food estate initiative and oil palm plantation expansion, and eco-populism promoted by Wahana Lingkungan Hidup (WALHI) Central Kalimantan and local communities. This contention leads to multiple underlying conflicts, including tensions between conservation initiatives and resource extraction activities by local communities, discrepancies between governmental development programs and the ecological and social realities, as well as unresolved land disputes and compensation challenges arising from the expansion of oil palm plantations. This study suggests that a more holistic and inclusive approach to peatland management is necessary, taking into account ecological, economic, and socio-cultural factors in a balanced manner. These findings significantly enhance the comprehension of the intricacies of natural resource management and can underpin the formulation of more inclusive and sustainable policies moving forward.

Review

This paper presents a timely and critical examination of the complex dynamics of land management in Central Kalimantan's peatlands, a topic of significant environmental and socio-economic importance. The research clearly articulates its objectives: to dissect the contestation process, identify key actors, and understand the interplay of knowledge and power. The chosen methodological approach, a qualitative case study integrating direct observation, in-depth interviews, and document analysis, is robust and well-suited to achieve a thorough understanding of these intricate dynamics. The clear identification of three distinct viewpoints—eco-conservationism, eco-developmentalism, and eco-populism—provides an excellent analytical framework for understanding the competing interests at play. The study adeptly unpacks the "multiple underlying conflicts" stemming from these divergent perspectives. It effectively highlights tensions between conservation efforts and local community resource extraction, discrepancies between governmental development programs and on-the-ground ecological and social realities, and persistent issues of land disputes and compensation related to oil palm expansion. This nuanced analysis significantly enhances our comprehension of how different discourses translate into tangible actions and conflicts within a complex natural resource management landscape. The findings are particularly strong in demonstrating the multifaceted nature of these challenges, underscoring the "complexity" alluded to in the title. The paper's call for a "more holistic and inclusive approach" to peatland management, one that balances ecological, economic, and socio-cultural factors, is a crucial policy recommendation. By illuminating the intricacies of natural resource governance in such a contentious setting, this research offers pertinent insights that can genuinely "underpin the formulation of more inclusive and sustainable policies moving forward." This study represents a valuable contribution to the field of political ecology, providing a detailed empirical case that enriches both theoretical understanding and practical applications for sustainable resource management in Southeast Asia and beyond.

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