Who holds power in land-use decisions?: Implications for REDD+ in Indonesia

Abstract

Key messages In different provinces or districts, the same laws can be applied in very different ways. Participation of customary land users and local communities remains ad hoc and requires that implementing regulations are strengthened, as the existing safeguarding laws are not sufficiently specific. Further developments of safeguarding laws and regulations (specifically the distribution of benefits from carbon financing) need to be well defined and better aligned with decentralization processes. Subnational actors are unclear on their role in a national REDD+ strategy and how they will be involved in decision making. REDD+ is challenged by a misalignment between land use decision-making powers and REDD+ management powers allocated to different bodies and levels.