The Implementation of Forest Protection in Light of Law Number 41 of 1999 on Forestry in the Province of the Bangka Belitung Islands

Abstract

The Bangka Belitung Islands Province has a forest area of 653,495.08 hectares, accounting for approximately 39.26% of its total land area. This includes 433,471.89 hectares of Production Forest, 183,856.45 hectares of Protected Forest, and 36,166.73 hectares of Conservation Forest. With such extensive forest coverage, the province holds significant strategic potential for optimal utilization. However, parts of the forest area have experienced degradation due to the exploitation of forest resources that violates established regulations, such as illegal mining, illegal logging, land clearing for agriculture, and other unlawful activities. The imposition of criminal and administrative sanctions has yet to create a deterrent effect for perpetrators of forestry crimes. Law Number 41 of 1999 on Forestry, which should serve as a normative framework for forest management and protection, has not had a significant impact on forest conservation efforts in the region. Therefore, concrete measures involving various stakeholders are urgently needed to ensure the sustainability of forest areas. Law Number 41 of 1999 on Forestry has not yet proven fully effective as a tool of social engineering in forest protection efforts.