Symbolic consultation and cultural simplification in the establishment of an Indonesian national park and its impacts on local livelihoods

Abstract

This paper analyzes the processes by which the Sebangau National Park in Central Kalimantan (Indonesia) was established, along with the management activities implemented and the impacts of such activities on local communities. Employing an environmental justice lens, which revolved around procedural, recognition, and distribution issues, we found that local communities were not adequately consulted or involved in the establishment and management of the national park. Furthermore, approaches to mitigate the adverse impacts failed to fully consider the diverse cultures and customs with different livelihood strategies surrounding the park. The research also found that the options made available for local livelihoods were limited and did not meet specific needs and demands of certain ethnic groups. Overall, the transformation of the Sebangau production forest into a conservation area significantly disrupted local livelihoods and led to pronounced adverse economic, social, and cultural impacts. Thus, adequate attention to environmental justice must be made if park authorities are to improve the social acceptability of the national park. They should meaningfully engage the local communities in decision-making procedures related to park management, because they are directly impacted by the park. The authorities should also understand the different sociocultural aspects related to the local people surrounding the park and their different needs and livelihood strategies. Finally, the livelihood alternatives should be carefully assessed, and locals should be adequately consulted to ensure that these are socially and culturally accepted.

Canal Bulkhead Design Preventing Blockage of River Flow: A Case Study in Bangah River, Sebangau National Park, Indonesia

“…Fish farming with a cage system between canal dividers is a short-term advantage (Triana, 2014). It is necessary to have a common perception of canal blockages that provide long-term benefits to avoid conflict and destruction (Meilani et al, 2021).…”

The Way of Life and Ecological Thinking of the Jambu Baru Community as a Foundation for Sustainable Peatland Management

“…Furthermore, criticizing conservation programs which at a practical level apply the ecoconservationist paradigm and tend to ignore the livelihood sources of local communities. There are many conservation areas with ecological objectives that ignore the socio-economic and cultural needs of local communities around them (Infield et al, 2018;Abukari & Mwalyosi, 2020;Meilani et al, 2021). The peat conservation program actually causes local communities to experience alienation, and on the other hand, the impact of the program on peat ecosystem protection is not significant (Hamid & Meilinda, 2023).…”

“…Local wisdom that currently exists needs to be improved in keeping peatlands wet and having sustainable economic value. Research (Meilani et al, 2021), which suggests that increasing social acceptance in environmental management is very important, not only to overcome the socio-economic and cultural problems of local residents, but also to achieve ecological goals.…”

Analysis of the Profile of Canal User Communities in the Bangah River Canal Blocking Project Area in Sebangau National Park, Central Kalimantan Province

“…Some neighbourhood groups helped build canal blockings, while others didn't because it made it hard for people to get to the canal [13]. Rejection from people who use the canal because they don't think they have a direct role in running the national park [14].…”