Local Wisdom Identification of Peatland Management in Inland Villages of Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract

Peatlands have a central function in maintaining the balance of the world’s ecosystem. Indonesia has 22.5 million hectares of peat land, the largest in the tropics, 38% of which is in Kalimantan. Nunukan Regency has peatlands with a depth of between 8-10 m which have been designated as protected forests that cannot be converted, some of which are in coastal areas. This article aims to identify the local wisdom of communities around remaining peatlands, which will be used as a basis for ecotourism development. The research was conducted in Atap Village, located in the center of the sub-district, the population is Muslim; and Pagar Village, whose residents are Catholic, is located far from the sub-district center. Data collection was carried out by observation, in-depth interviews with 15 people per village, Focus Group Interviews (FGI) and FGDs with representatives of community groups at the village hall. The research results show that differences in the influence of religion and geographical position determine differences in local community values and wisdom related to peat forests. The siege of monoculture plantation corporations and several coal mines is changing the environmental landscape and giving rise to potential conflicts over living space in two villages.