Exploring the policy dimensions of community-based forestry in Indonesia

The research carried out in Jambi Province. Interview findings suggested that the policy-making process should be reviewed and changes made in the internal bureaucracy, communication approach and public participation as a matter of urgency; the development of a central guideline, which should include socially responsible partnerships with the private sector; and conditional legal (official) recognition is still required for effective customary forestry, with a simplified bureaucratic process also required. The findings relating to implementation also showed that policy communication is not only important during the policy-making process, but should be ongoing when policy is implemented; without any significant changes, the implementation of existing partnership approaches just tend to be a tool for largely improving company's image; there is not a single dominant factor contributing to deforestation in Indonesia; building local democracy is essential in the development of customary forestry and partnership; and optimising policies for CBFM needs to be done in conjunction with critical review of transmigration policies and oil palm development.