PERTARUNGAN EPISTEMIK : BISNIS PANGLONG ARANG SUKU AKIT DAN KEBIJAKAN HUTAN MANGROVE DI INDONESIA

Abstract

Amid increasing global attention to coastal ecosystem conservation, the traditional charcoal production practices of the Akit community in Bantan Village, Bengkalis Regency, reflect the tension between local economic needs and environmental conservation efforts. The charcoal panglong activity, which has been going on for generations, is the main source of livelihood for the indigenous community, while at the same time contributing to the degradation of mangrove forest areas. In this context, this research critically examines the social, economic and ecological dynamics that shape charcoal business practices, and explores the complex interactions between local communities and Indonesia's mangrove forest management policy regime. An ethnographic approach was chosen to enable an in-depth understanding of the daily practices, social structures and power relations that shape the relationship between local communities and their surrounding environment. Data were collected through participatory observation, in-depth interviews with two heads of farmer groups holding forest management rights (HKm), 25 charcoal panglong workers, and 13 home-based charcoal panglong owners, as well as document analysis of relevant policies and regulations. The findings of this study show that the charcoal panglong business is not just an economic activity, but an integral part of the Akit community's livelihood system and cultural identity. However, production practices based on intensive exploitation of mangrove forest resources have resulted in ecological degradation of coastal areas. Meanwhile, mangrove conservation policies that are generally centralised and technocratic tend to ignore local knowledge and community subsistence needs, resulting in structural tensions between the state and indigenous communities. This research recommends a more participatory and community-based policy approach, including the adoption of sustainable charcoal production technologies and the integration of local businesses into mangrove ecosystem rehabilitation schemes. Thus, the transformation of mangrove forest governance can be directed towards a more equitable, ecological and contextualised model.