Mapping Roles and Interests of Stakeholders in the Development of Beef Cattle Enterprises in Baluran National Park

Abstract

Conservation areas, including national parks across Indonesia, face threats that jeopardize their sustainability. These issues arise from overlapping interests of various parties, highlighting the need for a unified understanding of the function, role, and position of National Parks within the community and among stakeholders. This research aims to explore the conflicting interests of actors in the beef cattle industry within Baluran National Park. The study was conducted in Sidomulyo Hamlet, Situbondo Regency, from December 2021 to January 2022. The research involved 13 breeders, utilizing questionnaires and open interviews, along with 30 respondents to analyze the characteristics of the community. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used. Conflict actors include livestock farmers, Baluran National Park management, village officials, the Singo Mulyo Livestock Group, investors, and the Situbondo Livestock and Animal Health Service. The management, together with the Situbondo Animal Husbandry and Health Service, formed a livestock group to implement an intensive cattle-rearing system to control cattle populations. They also provided counseling and training on alternative feed production. Conflicting interests among actors can lead to disputes. Despite management’s efforts, not all community members follow policies due to factors such as cow ownership, feed needs, and land availability for forage cultivation. Many breeders continue the illegal grazing model due to insufficient community capital and skills. The Baluran National Park cannot be solely blamed for the prohibition. This policy is a necessary action to preserve the park and avoid ecological damage.