Low level of community participation in community forest (HKm) based on a case study from Polewali Mandar, Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract

Abstract. Sukran M, Sadapotto A, Arif A. 2026. Low level of community participation in community forest (HKm) based on a case study from Polewali Mandar, Sulawesi, Indonesia. Asian J For 10 (1): r100140. https://doi.org/10.13057/asianjfor/r100140. Community participation is a key determinant of the effectiveness of social forestry programs, particularly under the community forest (Hutan Kemasyarakatan/HKm) scheme in Indonesia. Meaningful involvement of local communities across all stages of forest management is essential to ensure ecological sustainability while improving livelihoods. This study aims to assess the level of community participation in HKm management, identify factors influencing participation, and formulate priority strategies to enhance community involvement. The study was conducted in Barumbung Village, Matakali Sub-district, Polewali Mandar District, West Sulawesi, Indonesia. Data were collected from 62 members of the Ujung Karondang forest farmer group through field observations, structured interviews, focus group discussions, and document review. Community participation was assessed across three principal stages of HKm management: planning, implementation, and evaluation. Participation was measured using eight participation criteria distributed across these three stages. Each criterion was operationalized into eight questionnaire statements, yielding a total of 64 indicators evaluated on a five-point Likert scale. Participation levels were analyzed using Arnstein’s ladder of participation, while force field analysis was applied to identify key driving and constraining factors and to determine priority improvement strategies. The results indicate that community participation in HKm management is predominantly classified as non-participation, accounting for 96.77% of respondents. The term overall participation refers to the aggregated participation score derived from all three management stages (planning, implementation, and evaluation), which was subsequently classified into participation categories based on Arnstein’s framework. Despite the provision of legal access rights, substantive community involvement in decision-making remains limited. Based on force field analysis results, two highest-priority strategies were identified: strengthening the role and capacity of group facilitators, and enhancing access to tangible production support, particularly seed assistance, to increase community motivation and engagement. These strategies are critical for promoting a transition from non-participation toward more active and meaningful community engagement in HKm management.

Access to Document

Other files and links

• Link to publication in Scopus
• Open Access Version Available

Fingerprint