Indigenous Peoples and Forest Governance in Indonesia: Reconciling Conservation Policies with Customary Land Rights

Abstract

Forest conservation policies are essential for protecting biodiversity and addressing climate change, yet conservation measures may affect Indigenous communities whose livelihoods and cultural identities are closely connected to forest territories. In Indonesia, the expansion of protected areas and conservation programs raises questions concerning the compatibility of environmental objectives with customary land rights. This article examines the relationship between conservation policy and Indigenous rights in Indonesia. Using normative juridical and policy analysis, the study evaluates forestry regulation, conservation law, customary land rights, and community participation mechanisms. The article argues that conservation cannot be considered fully legitimate when Indigenous communities are excluded from decisions concerning territories they have historically managed. A rights-based conservation model should recognize customary tenure, ensure meaningful participation, protect traditional livelihoods, and establish mechanisms for resolving overlapping claims. The study proposes co-governance arrangements in which Indigenous communities participate directly in conservation planning, monitoring, and benefit-sharing. The article concludes that recognizing Indigenous rights can strengthen rather than undermine environmental protection by incorporating traditional ecological knowledge and community-based stewardship into conservation governance.