Recognition of Customary Forests in Java is Constrained by Regional Boundaries and Legality

YOGYAKARTA, GARISBUMI.com – Accelerating the recognition of customary law communities and the establishment of customary forests in Java still faces problems with territorial boundaries, legality and intergovernmental coordination. Area mapping and local government follow-up are important steps to overcome these obstacles.

This issue was discussed at the Workshop on Accelerating Recognition of Customary Law Communities and Determination of Customary Forests held by the Yogyakarta Social Forestry Center on 1–2 October 2026 in Yogyakarta. This activity brings together the government, academics, indigenous communities and related parties.

Member of the Task Force Team for the Acceleration of Customary Forest Status, Prof. San Afri Awang, emphasized that territorial clarity is an important part of the process of establishing customary forests. The government also needs to involve the community in its arrangements.

"Customary forest areas must be mapped, the Government needs to invite the community to regulate Customary Forests," he said.

Mapping becomes increasingly important when customary territories intersect with forest areas, administrative boundaries, or other area management interests. Therefore, clarity of boundaries needs to be supported by reliable data and an understanding of the parties.

Different Challenges in Each Indigenous Community

Discussions in the workshop showed that each community faces different problems. The recognition process also requires handling according to the conditions of each region.

In Central Java, Jalawastu is an example of good practice because it has gone through the process of recognizing customary law communities and establishing customary forests. This experience becomes learning material for other communities that are still undergoing a similar process.