The Role of Customary Knowledge in Contemporary Forestry: Experiences from the Kajang Customary Community in Indonesia

Abstract

Objective - This article analyses the co-existence of customary forest knowledge and management with contemporary forest policies, management, and the prevailing legal/regulatory framework. In addition, this article explores the extent to which customary forest knowledge and management have endured over time. Methodology/Technique - This research uses a conceptual approach based on perspective and doctrines from laws studies. Findings - Kajang's customary community has and implements moral principles as customary knowledge in forest resource management, such as respect towards nature, cosmic solidarity and the concern of nature; a simple way of living and life in harmony with nature. The several principles are supposed to be valuable basic for finding out the new ethical attitudes oriented to forest sustainability. The principles and the customary knowledge can be the strong basic for forest law development in Indonesia because it grows within the community. Novelty - The research embodied in this article examines how customary forest knowledge can inform the development of contemporary forest policies, management, and laws/regulations. Type of Paper: Review Keywords: Customary Communities; Customary Knowledge and Contemporary Forestry. JEL Classification: I21, Q23.