| Abstract |
Forest fires in Indonesia continue to pose as an alarming governmental,
environmental, and societal concern. This study examines the context of
land ownership transformation mainly before and after forest fires in
palm oil plantation activities. The data were gathered through in-depth
interviews, observation, and Geographical Information System (GIS) mapping.
The majority of land transformations occurred from community
property ownership to ownership by local elites, while the transformation
from company to community and local elites was also found. Due to
the injustice of land distribution, local communities occupy open access
lands of companies’ concessions. The deliberate use of fire is a common
method among smallholder to clear land for oil palm and for sold for
profit as planted land. Local elites benefit from these land transformations;
however, smallholders are at an economic disadvantage. We argue
that forest devolution and a clear definition of community land boundaries
are critical in dealing with this issue. |
Publication
Journal Publication
ไทย