Implementation of Policies for the Conservation of Protected Forests in Tenggulun Village, Tenggulun District, Aceh Tamiang Regency

Abstract

The encroachment of protected forests that occurred in Tenggulun Village, Tenggulun District, Aceh Tamiang Regency has resulted in the destruction of forest areas due to land clearing for illegal oil palm plantations. These conditions have an impact on the decline of the ecological function of forests and increase the risk of environmental disasters, so the implementation of effective forest conservation policies is needed. This research aims to find out and analyze the implementation of policies for the conservation of protected forests in Tenggulun Village, identify obstacles and efforts made in its implementation. This research uses George Edward III's policy implementation theory which includes communication, resources, disposition, bureaucratic structure, is supported by the concept of public policy according to Carl Friedrich, with descriptive qualitative research methods and informants selected using purposive sampling techniques. Results of the study show that the implementation of forest conservation policies has been running quite well through a social forestry scheme involving the Environment, Forestry Service, UPTD KPH Region VII Langsa, Forestry Police, Leuser Conservation Forum (FKL), village governments, and communities. Policy implementation has met the four indicators of George Edward III, namely communication, resources, disposition, bureaucratic structure. However, its implementation still faces obstacles in the form of budget limitations, large restoration areas, low community participation, and difficult access to forest locations. Efforts to overcome these obstacles include increasing socialization, education to the community, strengthening partnerships with FKL, implementing social forestry programs through the agroforestry system, strengthening forest area supervision through cooperatives, routine patrols.