Why do greater forest tenure rights not enthuse local communities? An early observation on the new community forestry scheme in state forests in Indonesia

The Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry recently issued a 35-year permit-based social forestry, called Izin Pemanfaatan Hutan Perhutanan Sosial (IPHPS), which was implemented in forestlands managed by the State Forest Corporation (SFC). IPHPS is unique scheme because forestry permits were previously granted on forestland unencumbered with rights. It provides more secure tenure rights (long-term permits), greater decision-making authority, improved profit-sharing arrangements compared SFC’s co-management model. However, has not attracted widespread interest from local communities. This paper aims to identify analyse factors that explain communities’ low policy. Results show communities have been it requires them undertake substantial investments reforestation make several payments government beyond their means. highlights specific challenges related access mechanisms benefits Lastly, prone manipulative persuasion SFC continue