Finding solutions to land disputes is not easy as it involves many parties, factors, and interacting aspects.
However, there are several principles that can guide the search for solutions to land disputes:
- Solutions must be based on facts, data, and valid, objective, and accurate evidence, not on opinions, assumptions, or subjective, biased, or untrue speculations.
- Solutions must respect the rights, obligations, and interests of all parties involved, without favoritism, discrimination, or exploitation of any party.
- Solutions must prioritize dialogue, communication, and cooperation among all parties involved, without resorting to violence, intimidation, or threats against any party.
- Solutions must reflect justice, equality, and well-being for all parties involved, without causing imbalance, poverty, or dependence on any party.
- Solutions must consider the social, economic, political, legal, and cultural impacts on the environment and future generations, without damaging ecosystems, depleting resources, or threatening the sustainability of life.
One successful example of a solution applied to resolve a land dispute is the case in Sumber Jaya Village, Way Tenong District, West Lampung Regency. There, a land dispute occurred between residents and the Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (TNBBS).
Residents claimed that the land controlled by TNBBS belonged to them for generations, while TNBBS claimed that the land was state-owned and designated as a conservation area.
The dispute had been ongoing since 1980 and had escalated into bloody conflicts. However, in 2000, residents and TNBBS agreed to resolve the land dispute through a mediation process facilitated by the Institute for Policy Research and Advocacy (ELSAM).
As a result, residents and TNBBS agreed to change the status of the land from a conservation area to a multiple-use area, where residents could cultivate the land as long as they did not damage the ecosystem. Additionally, residents and TNBBS agreed to form a forest farmer group, allowing residents to utilize forest products on the land without harming the ecosystem.
This agreement successfully resolved the land dispute and transformed the conflict into cooperation.
Land disputes are complex and multidimensional issues involving many parties, factors, and interacting aspects. Therefore, resolving land disputes requires a comprehensive, participatory, and sustainable approach involving all parties, considering all factors, and addressing all aspects.
Only in this way can we seek a permanent solution to lingering wounds and create justice, equality, and well-being for all parties involved.
That’s all for now Kisanak.