COORDINATING ROLE OF STATE INSTITUTIONS IN ADDRESSING FOREST DEGRADATION IN INDONESIA FOLLOWING THE RISE IN DEFORESTATION CASES Hadi Karyono
Faculty of Law, Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Semarang
Abstract
Deforestation in Indonesia is driven not only by economic expansion, but also by structural failures in state governance, particularly in the coordination of public institutions. This study employs a normative juridical method with statutory and conceptual approaches, drawing on academic literature, scientific journals, policy documents, and official government reports. The analysis is prescriptive, assessing how far the existing legal framework and institutional design enable effective coordination among the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, local governments, the Peatland and Mangrove Restoration Agency, law enforcement bodies, and other actors in addressing deforestation. The findings indicate that overlapping mandates, weak public participation, the influence of oligarchic interests, and the absence of an independent environmental enforcement body have undermined supervision and prosecution of environmental crimes. Case illustrations from Papua, Kalimantan, and Sumatra demonstrate that deforestation is closely linked to authority conflicts, exploitative agrarian policies, and corporate impunity. The article recommends institutional reform through the establishment of an inter-agency environmental enforcement council, the development of an integrated forest data system, the strengthening of Indigenous peoples and civil society as primary forest watchdogs, and the creation of an independent environmental integrity commission. Such reforms are essential to curb deforestation and safeguard Indonesia^s ecological sustainability.
