NATIONAL INFO – Minister of Environment and Forestry, Siti Nurbaya, issued a decision regarding the Policy on Designation of Forest Areas with Special Management (KHDPK) stipulated in Decree No. 287/MENLHK/PLA.2/4/2022. This decision brings hope to farmers who depend on living in and around forest areas, especially in Java.

The breakthrough by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) in managing Java’s forests did not go smoothly. During the Consultation Meeting with the House of Representatives Commission IV on April 13, they actually rejected the existence of Decree No. 287, citing environmental protection.

According to Member of Commission IV, Panggah Susanto, the conversion of forest functions could lead to environmental damage in the forest (Kontan.co.id, April 13, 2022). Meanwhile, another member of Commission IV, Darori Wonodiporo, highlighted the aspect of legislative regulation formation. Darori stated that the regulation of Perhutani is included in government regulations, so it is not appropriate to revoke it through a ministerial decision.

Until December 2019, the Indonesian Environmental Forum (HuMa) documented 346 conflicts over natural resources and agrarian issues. The total area involved is 2,322,669.325 hectares, affecting 1,164,175 indigenous and local people. HuMa also noted at least 41 conflicts in Java, including conflicts involving Perhutani. Moreover, out of Perhutani’s total working area of 2.4 million hectares, only 30 percent is managed productively by Perhutani. Currently, almost 14 thousand hectares of Perhutani’s working area have been turned into settlements.

“These conditions indicate that Perhutani’s land management is ineffective,” said Agung Wibowo, Executive Coordinator of the Indonesian Environmental Forum (HuMa). It is time for the government to rationalize Perhutani’s land area and prioritize community access. Therefore, a reconfiguration of Java’s forests must be carried out, including through the Policy on Designation of Forest Areas with Special Management (KHDPK).

Deputy Program of HuMa Indonesia, Erwin Dwi Kristianto, stated that the argument of Commission IV members for environmental protection is not entirely accurate. Considering that only 30 percent of the land is productive, one can imagine the vast unmanaged land.

“On the contrary, by providing access for communities through social forestry schemes, the management of unproductive land or forests can be maximized. For the 13 thousand settlements identified within Perhutani’s area, they should be encouraged to enter the land object of agrarian reform program and be removed from forest areas,” said Erwin. (*)

source: https://nasional.tempo.co/read/1587620/pendapat-huma-pada-polemik-kepmenlhk-287