Strengthening Village Spatial Planning: Participatory Mapping as a Foundation for Sustainable Development Strengthening Village Spatial Planning

Penguatan Tata Ruang Kampung: Pemetaan Partisipatif Tanah Kas Kampung Sebagai Fondasi Pembangunan Berkelanjutan

Abstract

Sustainable development at the village level requires a strong foundation of spatial planning. Karangan Village, a coastal area located in Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, has extensive land resource potential, including mangrove areas and secondary forests known as lemba by the local community, which are village treasury lands. However, Karangan Village faces challenges in effectively managing its resources and assets due to a lack of accurate spatial data. The utilization and management of these assets face significant constraints due to the absence of definitive land boundaries between resident-managed areas and ‘lemba’. This situation, exacerbated by hereditary cultivation rights without clear documentation, has the potential to cause land misuse and disputes, while also hindering equitable access for the poorer community. To address this issue, a geospatial-based participatory mapping program was initiated, involving active collaboration among the community, village officials, facilitators from the University of Mulawarman KKN 51 team and the NGO Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN). This activity successfully produced a digitized and accurate map of the village treasury land, which serves as a crucial instrument for mitigating potential disputes. Furthermore, the participatory approach successfully fostered crucial social outcomes, such as strengthening the spirit of gotong royong (mutual cooperation) and enhancing the collective awareness of residents regarding the village's problems and potential. This project demonstrates that the integration of modern technology and local knowledge, facilitated through a participatory approach, is an effective solution for supporting more equitable and sustainable development.