Designing an Intermediate Forest Governance Institution: Strengthening Coordination between Central, Provincial, and Technical Units in West Kalimantan

Bambang Hendroyono; Khulfi M. Khalwani; Muhamad Alkaf

doi:10.55227/ijhess.v6i2.2566

Authors

Bambang Hendroyono Graduate School, Universitas Brawijaya
Khulfi M. Khalwani Republic of Indonesia Defense University
Muhamad Alkaf Ministry of Forestry of Republic Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55227/ijhess.v6i2.2566

Keywords:

adaptive forest governance, collaborative governance, forestry and other land use, intermediate forest governance, West Kalimantan

Abstract

The implementation of Indonesia’s Forestry and Other Land Use (FOLU) Net Sink 2030 agenda requires effective coordination across government levels, forestry institutions, and non-governmental stakeholders. However, institutional fragmentation may constrain the integration of forest management, climate mitigation, and regional development. This study examines the coordination challenges affecting FOLU Net Sink 2030 implementation in West Kalimantan and develops a conceptual model of an Intermediate Forest Governance Institution to address these challenges. Using a qualitative case study design, data were collected through focus group discussions (FGDs), semi-structured in-depth interviews, document analysis, and secondary regional statistics. The data were analyzed thematically. The findings identify four interconnected governance challenges: sectoral coordination among institutions with different mandates; limited capacity of Forest Management Units (FMUs/KPHs) to coordinate across institutional boundaries; fragmented data, monitoring, and climate-financing arrangements; and collaborative initiatives that remain largely project-based and dependent on individual leadership. These challenges are compounded by the province’s extensive and diverse forest landscapes and uneven local implementation capacities. In response, the study proposes an Intermediate Forest Governance Institution as a bridging mechanism with six core functions: integrating vertical and horizontal coordination; facilitating data integration and regional monitoring; strengthening landscape-based multistakeholder collaboration; facilitating green and climate finance; building institutional capacity at the site level; and connecting forest governance with FOLU Net Sink 2030 and green economic development. The study contributes a context-specific conceptual model for addressing coordination gaps in multilevel forest governance. Its implementation requires further assessment of legal feasibility, institutional mandates, accountability arrangements, and operational effectiveness.

Author Biographies

Bambang Hendroyono, Graduate School, Universitas Brawijaya

Lecturer

Khulfi M. Khalwani, Republic of Indonesia Defense University

Doctoral student in the Defense Studies program

Muhamad Alkaf, Ministry of Forestry of Republic Indonesia

Public Sector Trainer

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