Persepsi Masyarakat Terhadap Kegiatan Pengelolaan Hutan Kemasyarakatan Di UPT KPH Wilatah XII Tarutung Sumatera Utara

Abstract

Community perception of community forest management activities in UPT KPH Region XII Tarutung plays a strategic role in supporting forest sustainability and improving the welfare of surrounding communities. This study aims to examine the public perception of the existence, management, and dependence on community forests, as well as identify the obstacles faced in forest management participation in the region. Data collection was carried out through qualitative methods by utilizing questionnaire instruments based on Likert scale, closed interviews, and field observations. The sampling technique used a census method involving all members of forest farming groups in Hutaraja Hasundutan Village and Parbubu II Village, North Tapanuli Regency, during the period March to May 2025. The results showed that the majority of respondents have a positive perception of community forest management efforts that are carried out in a participatory and transparent manner. The findings also revealed that the high level of community participation, especially from farmers, had an impact on strengthening the sense of ownership and obligation in preserving forests. However, the formulation of problems that include ranging from land conflicts, institutional capacity of the community is still limited, to differences in perception between the community and the management or government. Based on the analysis, the strategy to improve forest management is suggested that there should be a systematic participatory mechanism, sustainability, with evaluation and periodic program updates in HKm management. Through this effort, the effectiveness and sustainability of the HKm program can increase community satisfaction with the results of forest management. The government needs to increase support for KTH through KPH in improving the management and development of HKm that is more optimal and advanced.