Dynamics and transformation of land tenure conflict in a village of Indonesia
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Abstract. Ramadhan R, Titan A, Rahayu AB, Muttaqin T, Dharmawan AS. 2026. Dynamics and transformation of land tenure conflict in a village of Indonesia. Asian J For 10 (1): r100137. https://doi.org/10.13057/asianjfor/r100137. Land tenure conflicts remain a persistent challenge in Indonesia's social forestry programs, particularly in areas with overlapping historical claims and evolving governance frameworks. This study aims to analyse the dynamics and transformations of land tenure conflicts in Java, Indonesia, using the Rapid Land Tenure Assessment (RaTA) approach. A qualitative case study design was employed, combining in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis involving multiple stakeholders. The research findings indicate that land ownership conflicts are shaped by the history of land claims and divergent interests between communities and forest management authorities. Two contrasting conflict trajectories were identified: (i) long-standing conflicts with limited institutional resolution, and (ii) adaptive transformations driven by community engagement and policy shifts within social forestry schemes. This study proposes conflict-resolution mechanisms to reconfigure land governance structures through policy interventions and to reshape actor power dynamics that promote community participation within a framework of decentralized forest management. This study highlights the importance of participatory governance, strengthening local institutions, and adaptive policy frameworks in transforming land tenure conflicts. These findings contribute to a better understanding of conflict dynamics in social forestry and provide practical insights for improving land tenure governance in Indonesia.
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