Sustainable Cities and Communities
Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Partnership for the Goals
Asia
Indonesia
The Role of Local Communities in Managing Environmental Damage to Address Social Conflicts
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Submitted
June 3, 2024
Published
September 5, 2025
Keywords:
-
ability, environmental damage, local communities, oil palm plantations, participation
Abstract
Environmental damage from palm oil production remains a pressing and significant global issue, driving ecosystem disruption and social conflicts. Local communities, as the first to experience its impacts, are central actors in addressing deforestation, pollution, and biodiversity loss. This study examines the role of local communities in the Subah sub-district, Indonesia, in managing
environmental degradation and mitigating social conflicts associated with palm oil plantations. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining a Likert scale questionnaire with 101 respondents and field observations to capture both quantitative trends and community perspectives. The study underscores the importance of empowering local communities by
integrating their traditional knowledge and practices into broader environmental governance frameworks. Over 60% of respondents agreed that active participation improves environmental quality and reduces conflict, with nearly 70% reporting direct involvement in conflict resolution. For instance, community-led reforestation in Sabung Village restored biodiversity and strengthened
social cohesion, while waterway cleanups in Mukti Raharja Village reduced pollution and eased tensions with plantation companies. These examples highlight how grassroots initiatives can foster both ecological restoration and social harmony. This study’s novelty lies in its focus on community driven environmental practices as dual strategies for ecological management and peacebuilding in
palm oil-producing regions. The results suggest the need for participatory approaches, where companies collaborate with communities to promote sustainable practices, prevent environmental degradation, and ensure long-term social stability.
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References
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22. Sulistyaningsih, E. Community Participation in Improving Environmental Protection and Effort Management. IOP Conf. Ser. Earth Environ. Sci. 2022, 1030, doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1030/1/012021.
23. Zikargae, M.H.; Woldearegay, A.G.; Skjerdal, T. Assessing the Roles of Stakeholders in Community Projects on Environmental Security and Livelihood of Impoverished Rural Society: A Nongovernmental Organization Implementation Strategy in Focus. Heliyon 2022, 8, doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10987.
24. Sapar, S.; Syafruddin, S. Conflict Resolution in Mining Area: An Alternative Strategy of Community Empowerment. J. Ilmu Lingkung. 2021, 19, 612–619, doi:10.14710/jil.19.3.612-619.
25. Juniyanti, L.; Purnomo, H.; Puspitaloka, D.; Andrianto, A.; Kusumadewi, S.D.; Okarda, B.; Dermawan, A. Developing Business Model with Community Groups for Fire Prevention and Peatland Restoration: A Case Study of Siak Regency. In Proceedings of the IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science; IOP Publishing, 2024; Vol. 1315, p. 12055.
26. Tjilen, A.P.; Tambaip, B.; Ohoiwutun, Y. Did Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Succeed? A Model of Economic Empowerment For Local Oil Palm Farmers. J. Southwest Jiaotong Univ. 2023, 58, doi:10.35741/issn.0258-2724.58.3.56.
27. Sukiyono, K.; Romdhon, M.M.; Mulyasari, G.; Yuliarso, M.Z.; Nabiu, M.; Trisusilo, A.; Reflis; Napitupulu, D.M.T.; Nugroho, Y.; Puspitasari, M.S.; et al. The Contribution of Oil Palm Smallholders Farms to the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals-Measurement Attempt. Sustain. 2022, 14, 1–16, doi:10.3390/su14116843.
28. Qaim, M.; Sibhatu, K.T.; Siregar, H.; Grass, I. Environmental, Economic, and Social Consequences of the Oil Palm Boom. Annu. Rev. Resour. Econ. 2020, 12, 321–344, doi:10.1146/annurev-resource-110119-024922.
29. Wedayanti, M.D.; Santri, S.H.; Rustam, A.; Baharuddin, T.; Yogia, M.A.; Pulungan, B.I. CSR and Sustainability of the Palm Oil Industry in Riau Province CSR Dan Keberlanjutan Industri Minyak Kelapa Sawit Di Provinsi Riau. Aspir. J. Masal. Sos. 2023, 14, 197–211, doi:10.46807/aspirasi.v14i2.4128.
30. Heilmayr, R.; Carlson, K.M.; Benedict, J.J. Deforestation Spillovers from Oil Palm Sustainability Certification. Environ. Res. Lett. 2020, 15, 75002, doi:10.1088/1748-9326/ab7f0c.
31. Erwiningsih, W. Analyzing Drivers and Mitigation of Deforestation for Oil Palm Expansion in Indonesia, 2000-2020. Int. J. Sustain. Dev. Plan. 2023, 18, 3657–3664, doi:10.18280/ijsdp.181132.
2. Pulingam, T.; Lakshmanan, M.; Chuah, J.-A.; Surendran, A.; Zainab-L, I.; Foroozandeh, P.; Uke, A.; Kosugi, A.; Sudesh, K. Oil Palm Trunk Waste: Environmental Impacts and Management Strategies. Ind. Crops Prod. 2022, 189, 115827, doi:10.1016/j.indcrop.2022.115827.
3. Asmah, N.; Yaswirman; Warman, K.; Mardenis Fair Mediation as an Alternative for Settlement of Customary Land Disputes for Oil Palm Plantation Businesses in West Pasaman. Int. J. Entrep. 2021, 25, 1–11.
4. Utoyo, B.; Marimin, I.F.; Murdanoto, A.P. Improving Performance of Indonesia State-Owned Enterprises Holding; Policies and Strategies. Asian J. Appl. Sci. 2019, 7, 686–695.
5. Kröger, M. The Expansion of Industrial Tree Plantations and Dispossession in Brazil. Dev. Change 2012, 43, 947–973, doi:10.1111/j.1467-7660.2012.01787.x.
6. Ngafifi, M. Kemajuan Teknologi Dan Pola Hidup Manusia Dalam Perspektif Sosial Budaya. J. Pembang. Pendidik. Fondasi dan Apl. 2014, 2, 33–47, doi:10.21831/jppfa.v2i1.2616.
7. Santosa, Y.; Purnamasari, I. Oil Palm Plantations versus Mammals and Birds Conservation: A Case Study in Two Oil Palm Plantations in West Kalimantan Province. J. Pengelolaan Sumberd. Alam dan Lingkung. (Journal Nat. Resour. Environ. Manag. 2023, 13, 475–483, doi:10.29244/jpsl.13.3.475-483.
8. Hein, L.; Sumarga, E.; Quiñones, M.; Suwarno, A. Effects of Soil Subsidence on Plantation Agriculture in Indonesian Peatlands. Reg. Environ. Chang. 2022, 22, 1–13, doi:10.1007/s10113-022-01979-z.
9. Syaf, H.; Mursidi, B.; Yasin, A. Penyelesaian Potensi Konflik Kepentingaan Masyarakat Kabupaten Kolaka Timur Dengan Taman Nasional Rawa Aopa Watumohai Provinsi Sulawesi Tenggara. J. Publicuho 2022, 5, 1041–1060, doi:10.35817/publicuho.v5i4.38.
10. Purnaweni, H.; Djumiarti, T.; Roziqin, A.; Santoso, B. How Do Local Government Strategies Advance Social Accountability? The Challenges from Environmental Management of Slaughterhouse in Semarang City, Indonesia. Local Environ. 2024, 29, 245–261, doi:10.1080/13549839.2023.2282094.
11. Wyborn, C.; Bixler, R.P. Collaboration and Nested Environmental Governance: Scale Dependency, Scale Framing, and Cross-Scale Interactions in Collaborative Conservation. J. Environ. Manage. 2013, 123, 58–67, doi:10.1016/j.jenvman.2013.03.014.
12. Hasanah, N.; Komarudin, H.; Dray, A. Beyond Oil Palm: Perceptions of Local Communities of Environmental Change. Front. For. Glob. Chang. 2019, 2, 1–19, doi:10.3389/ffgc.2019.00041.
13. Sharma, S.; Thapa, R. Socioeconomic Factors and Their Interaction with Environmental Education and Biodiversity Conservation: Effects on Mental Health and Community Empowerment. AI, IoT Fourth Ind. Revolut. Rev. 2023, 13, 75–90.
14. Gagan Deep Evaluating the Impact of Community Engagement in Urban Planning on Sustainable Development. World J. Adv. Res. Rev. 2023, 20, 1633–1338, doi:10.30574/wjarr.2023.20.3.2453.
15. Rokhim, R.; Januari, A.D.; Atik, U.; Shara, S.; Rusdayanti, N.; Rokhim, R.; Januari, A.D.; Atik, U.; Shara, S.; Rusdayanti, N. Palm Oil Social Conflict Resolution and Mediation in Jambi. Cogent Soc. Sci. 2020, 6, 1–13, doi:10.1080/23311886.2020.1812831.
16. Jamaluddin; Sastro, M.; Ramziati; Yusrizal; Azkia, S. Social Conflict Resolution Between Communities And Palm Oil Plantation Companies Through Local Labor Empowerment In West Aceh District. Proc. 2nd Malikussaleh Int. Conf. Law, Leg. Stud. Soc. Sci. 2022, 1–8, doi:10.29103/micolls.v2i.87.
17. Asrol, M.; Warid, H.; Ekawati, A.D. Triple Bottom Line Analysis and Assessment Towards Sustainable Palm Oil Plantation. In Proceedings of the E3S Web of Conferences; 2023; Vol. 388, pp. 1–5.
18. Mariyam, S.; Satria, A.P.; Samsudin, M. Community Participation in the Prevention of Environmental Damage: Forms and Challenges. Adm. Environ. Law Rev. 2023, 4, 107–118, doi:doi.org/10.25041/aelr.v4i2.2992.
19. Ramadhani, S.P.; Sundawati, L.; Kuncahyo, B. Analysis of Factors Influencing Community Participation in Sustainable Forest Management in BKPH Mojorayung, Madiun. J. Pengelolaan Sumberd. Alam dan Lingkung. 2024, 14, 139–147, doi:10.29244/jpsl.14.1.139-147.
20. Tschirhart, C.; Mistry, J.; Berardi, A.; Bignante, E.; Simpson, M.; Haynes, L.; Benjamin, R.; Albert, G.; Xavier, R.; Robertson, B. Learning from One Another: Evaluating the Impact of Horizontal Knowledge Exchange for Environmental Management and Governance. Ecol. Soc. 2016, 21, 40–53, doi:10.5751/ES-08495-210241.
21. Ward, C.; Stringer, L.C.; Warren-Thomas, E.; Agus, F.; Crowson, M.; Hamer, K.; Hariyadi, B.; Kartika, W.D.; Lucey, J.; McClean, C. Smallholder Perceptions of Land Restoration Activities: Rewetting Tropical Peatland Oil Palm Areas in Sumatra, Indonesia. Reg. Environ. Chang. 2021, 21, 1–17, doi:10.1007/s10113-020-01737-z.
22. Sulistyaningsih, E. Community Participation in Improving Environmental Protection and Effort Management. IOP Conf. Ser. Earth Environ. Sci. 2022, 1030, doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1030/1/012021.
23. Zikargae, M.H.; Woldearegay, A.G.; Skjerdal, T. Assessing the Roles of Stakeholders in Community Projects on Environmental Security and Livelihood of Impoverished Rural Society: A Nongovernmental Organization Implementation Strategy in Focus. Heliyon 2022, 8, doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10987.
24. Sapar, S.; Syafruddin, S. Conflict Resolution in Mining Area: An Alternative Strategy of Community Empowerment. J. Ilmu Lingkung. 2021, 19, 612–619, doi:10.14710/jil.19.3.612-619.
25. Juniyanti, L.; Purnomo, H.; Puspitaloka, D.; Andrianto, A.; Kusumadewi, S.D.; Okarda, B.; Dermawan, A. Developing Business Model with Community Groups for Fire Prevention and Peatland Restoration: A Case Study of Siak Regency. In Proceedings of the IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science; IOP Publishing, 2024; Vol. 1315, p. 12055.
26. Tjilen, A.P.; Tambaip, B.; Ohoiwutun, Y. Did Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Succeed? A Model of Economic Empowerment For Local Oil Palm Farmers. J. Southwest Jiaotong Univ. 2023, 58, doi:10.35741/issn.0258-2724.58.3.56.
27. Sukiyono, K.; Romdhon, M.M.; Mulyasari, G.; Yuliarso, M.Z.; Nabiu, M.; Trisusilo, A.; Reflis; Napitupulu, D.M.T.; Nugroho, Y.; Puspitasari, M.S.; et al. The Contribution of Oil Palm Smallholders Farms to the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals-Measurement Attempt. Sustain. 2022, 14, 1–16, doi:10.3390/su14116843.
28. Qaim, M.; Sibhatu, K.T.; Siregar, H.; Grass, I. Environmental, Economic, and Social Consequences of the Oil Palm Boom. Annu. Rev. Resour. Econ. 2020, 12, 321–344, doi:10.1146/annurev-resource-110119-024922.
29. Wedayanti, M.D.; Santri, S.H.; Rustam, A.; Baharuddin, T.; Yogia, M.A.; Pulungan, B.I. CSR and Sustainability of the Palm Oil Industry in Riau Province CSR Dan Keberlanjutan Industri Minyak Kelapa Sawit Di Provinsi Riau. Aspir. J. Masal. Sos. 2023, 14, 197–211, doi:10.46807/aspirasi.v14i2.4128.
30. Heilmayr, R.; Carlson, K.M.; Benedict, J.J. Deforestation Spillovers from Oil Palm Sustainability Certification. Environ. Res. Lett. 2020, 15, 75002, doi:10.1088/1748-9326/ab7f0c.
31. Erwiningsih, W. Analyzing Drivers and Mitigation of Deforestation for Oil Palm Expansion in Indonesia, 2000-2020. Int. J. Sustain. Dev. Plan. 2023, 18, 3657–3664, doi:10.18280/ijsdp.181132.
Authors
Herdiansyah, H. , Vitiara, M.D. and Frimawaty, E. (2025) “The Role of Local Communities in Managing Environmental Damage to Address Social Conflicts”, Jurnal Pengelolaan Sumberdaya Alam dan Lingkungan (Journal of Natural Resources and Environmental Management), 15(5), p. 761. doi:10.29244/jpsl.15.5.761.
Copyright (c) 2025 Herdis Herdiansyah, Mustarini Dessy Vitiara, Evi Frimawaty
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How to Cite
Herdiansyah, H. , Vitiara, M.D. and Frimawaty, E. (2025) “The Role of Local Communities in Managing Environmental Damage to Address Social Conflicts”, Jurnal Pengelolaan Sumberdaya Alam dan Lingkungan (Journal of Natural Resources and Environmental Management), 15(5), p. 761. doi:10.29244/jpsl.15.5.761.
