KONFLIK SUMBER DAYA ALAM ANTARA MASYARAKAT LOKAL DAN PERUSAHAAN PERKEBUNAN KELAPA SAWIT PERSPEKTIF EKONOMI DAN EKOLOGI POLITIK DI TELUK SINGKAMA KUTAI TIMUR

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the form of natural resource conflict between local communities and oil palm plantation companies and their efforts to resolve them in Singkama Bay, South Sangatta District, East Kutai Regency, using an economic and political ecology perspective. This research uses a descriptive qualitative approach. Data were obtained through interviews, observations, and documentation involving local communities, community leaders, company representatives, and the government. Data were analyzed using Miles and Huberman's interactive model, then interpreted through a political ecology perspective by paying attention to economic interests, resource access, and power relations between actors. The results of the study showed that conflicts include three interrelated aspects, namely land tenure, access to natural resources, and environmental impacts. Conflicts are strengthened by differences in economic interests as well as inequality of access and bargaining positions between communities and companies. Efforts to resolve through deliberation, dialogue, mediation, government involvement, and corporate social responsibility programs are relatively effective in reducing tensions, but have not fully resolved substantive issues, especially related to land rights, compensation, and equitable access to resources. Conflict resolution requires more participatory, transparent, and equitable resource governance that considers economic, social, and environmental interests in a balanced manner.