Social forestry institutional transformation under the Forest Areas with Special Management (KHDPK) policy

Abstract

Abstract. Widiyanto A, Nurrochmat DR, Trison S, Subarudi, Nurfatriani F. 2025. Social forestry institutional transformation under the Forest Area with Special Management (KHDPK) policy. Asian J For 9: 182-195. Social forestry in Indonesia is entering its third generation, with a focus on livelihoods improvement and enterprise capacity building. In this regard, the Forest Area with Special Management (KHDPK) policy was issued to expand community access to forest management in Java Island by allowing direct involvement without requiring engagement through the state-owned forest enterprise. This shift aims to enhance socio-economic benefits, resolve tenure conflicts, and support forest and land rehabilitation through inclusive governance. This study aims to examine the transformation of social forestry in Java following the issuance of the Forest Area with Special Management (KHDPK) policy. It adopts two complementary approaches: the Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework and Historical Institutionalism (HI). The results show that the institutional transformation of social forestry in KHDPK is to continue and modify the existing social forestry, without replacing it with a new one. Although it is a significant change, KHDPK is not yet at a critical juncture because it is not supported by strong institutional lock-in. Social forestry within KHDPK can be understood as a path modification, not a full disruption, as it does not replace entirely the previous social forestry scheme but rather builds upon and adjusts it. In this context, KHDPK reflects a combination of institutional layering and conversion. These two forms strengthen the argument that KHDPK is not merely a "new policy" but a gradual institutional change that adapts to the current political and social context. Local autonomy and conflict resolution need more attention from the Ministry of Forestry. The policy options that the government can take include strengthening the social forestry institution in KHDPK regarding regulations, increasing collaboration among parties, expanding supporting resources, especially at the site level, and enhancing community capacity.