On the Political Edge: Conservation in an Era of Decentralization and Democratization in Central Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract

This dissertation examines the effects of Indonesia's decentralization and democratization reforms on Kerinci Seblat National Park, a large protected area on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. The reforms, which were implemented in the wake of the resignation of President Suharto, whose highly centralized and authoritarian New Order regime ruled Indonesia for more than three decades. The reforms have radically altered the dynamics of formal and informal politics in Indonesia. This is significant in places like rural Sumatra, where the economy is heavily reliant on primary sector activity. Thus the reforms have led to an increase in direct and indirect pressures on the park. This dissertation examines these changes from the perspective of political ecology, political economy, providing a comprehensive analysis of the structure and form of decentralization and democratization in Indonesia as well as the implications for national park-based conservation in Indonesia.