Community Movement for Sustainable Use of Natural Resources: Case Study of North Kendeng Mountain Area, Central Java, Indonesia
Sudharto P. Hadi*, Hartuti Purnaweni, Bulan Prabawani, Rizkiana Sidqiyatul H.
Diponegoro University
Abstract
North Kendeng Mountain has abundant of limestone potentially utilized for cement material, cosmetic, paint and other commercial products. This area is also a storage for water resources widely utilized for household and irrigation for local people. Conflict between government and investors on one side preferring this area for utilization for commercial uses and local people supported by influential people and academician choosing it for conservation. Such conflict have been running since 2006 in the district of Sukolilo, Pati Regency, followed by similar conflict in the district of Tambakromo and Kayen, Pati Regency in 2012 and the latest conflict started in 2014 in the district of Gunem, Rembang Regency. To strengthen their efforts, local people pioneered by Sedulur Sikep (Adat or Traditional Community) form Community Network for caring North Kendeng Mountain or JMPPK consisting of local people at North Kendeng Mountaian Area, influential people and academician across Indonesia. JMPPK mobilizes people in defending their area to be conservation through cultural events, rally, demonstration, dialog, discussion and lobby. Based on their environmental wisdom, Sedulur Sikep believe that they have to treat the Earth as a mother providing everything for human being. It is compulsory for human being to treat the Earth in a good manner. This paper observes the development of conflict over water resources, the way JMPPK defends their right over natural resources. The type of research is descriptive analysis. The data collection techniques include informal interview, observation and literature review. The data is analyzed qualitatively. To incorporate aspirations, needs and interest of local people, it is required a dialog among relevant stakeholders regarding the area for utilization and conservation.
Keywords: conflict -community movement-dialog-sustainable use of natural resources
Topic: Sustainable Development