Forest Conflict and the Socio-Economic Dynamics of the Besipae Indigenous Community Post-Exclusion in East Nusa Tenggara

Authors

  • Innosensia Emerensiana Isavela Ndiki Satu Communication Science Department, Widya Mandira Catholic University, Jl. Achmad Yani 50-52, Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, 85361, Indonesia
  • Fransiska Desiana Setyaningsih Communication Science Department, Widya Mandira Catholic University, Jl. Achmad Yani 50-52, Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, 85361, Indonesia
  • Didimus Dedi Dhosa Universitas Katolik Widya Mandira, Kupang

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22500/13202566983

Keywords:

Besipae, customary forest, socio-economy, trauma, labour migrant

Abstract

The study aims to explain the social and economic dynamics of the community living in the Besipae customary forest area of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), particularly after their eviction by the provincial government through the use of violent means. This research employs a qualitative-critical approach, utilizing three data collection methods: in-depth interviews, focus group discussions (FGD), and observation. By using a critical perspective, the study reveals several key findings. First, the conflicting ownership status of the forest limits the community’s ability to access forest products, restricting their opportunities to increase their economic income. Second, despite being evicted from the forest area and having their homes destroyed, some community members have chosen to return to live in the forest. Third, the community has endured long-term trauma associated with extracting forest products, as they continue to advocate for the recognition of their forest as indigenous community property amidst government domination. This situation ultimately compels them to participate as migrant labour in the predatory neoliberal global market.

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Published

2026-04-14

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Vol. 13 No. 2 (2025): Sodality: Jurnal Sosiologi Pedesaan

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Copyright (c) 2026 Innosensia Emerensiana Isavela Ndiki Satu, Fransiska Desiana Setyaningsih, Didimus Dedi Dhosa

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How to Cite

Satu, I. E. I. N., Setyaningsih, F. D., & Dhosa, D. D. (2026). Forest Conflict and the Socio-Economic Dynamics of the Besipae Indigenous Community Post-Exclusion in East Nusa Tenggara. Sodality: Jurnal Sosiologi Pedesaan, 13(2), 42-54. https://doi.org/10.22500/13202566983