COLLABORATIVE GOVERNANCE TERHADAP PENGEMBALIAN STATUS DAN FUNGSI HUTAN ADAT DI DESA KEPAU JAYA KECAMATAN SIAK HULU KABUPATEN KAMPAR TAHUN 2022-2025

Abstract

Customary forests constitute a strategic element for the social, cultural, spiritual, and economic sustainability of Indigenous communities. In Kepau Jaya Village, Kampar Regency, the conversion of 781.44 hectares of customary forest into private oil palm plantations triggered prolonged conflict. Although the Bangkinang District Court Decision No. 28/Pdt.G/2013/PN.Bkn ruled in favor of the Indigenous community, the implementation of forest restitution has not been optimally realized. This study analyzes the process of collaborative governance in restoring the status and function of the customary forest by employing the Ansell and Gash framework through a qualitative case study approach. Data were collected through interviews and documentation, and analyzed using data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing techniques. The findings indicate that collaboration among the government, Indigenous community, and the company has begun to develop through mediation, public hearings, and field inspections. However, the effectiveness of collaboration remains constrained by low levels of inter-actor trust, regulatory ambiguities, and the absence of a final agreement. Overall, the implementation of collaborative governance shows positive progress in opening spaces for dialogue and participation, yet requires stronger governmental commitment and alignment of interests among all stakeholders to ensure the full restoration of the customary forest.

Keywords: Customary Forest, Indigenous Community, Government, Agrarian Conflict, Collaborative Governance.