Journal of Environmental and Development Studies

Community Perception and Participation in the Initiation of the Tapanuli Orangutan Corridor (Pongo tapanuliensis Nater, 2017) in Hutaimbaru, Luat Lombang Village, Sipirok District, South Tapanuli Regency

Dede Syahputra Tanjung, Alief Aththorick, Rahmawaty — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The Tapanuli orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis) is critically endangered and inhabits the Batangtoru Ecosystem, the last refuge of the southernmost orangutan population in Sumatra. Habitat fragmentation due to development from 1989 to 2013 left around 767 individuals in two wild populations, which are predicted to be unable to survive for the next 500 years. This research aims to analyze community perceptions and participation in the initiation of the Tapanuli Orangutan Corridor development in Hutaimbaru. The research method used was a quantitative approach with a sample of 30 respondents. The results showed that the community’s perception level of corridor development was in the moderate category with a percentage of 61%, while the level of community participation was in the high category with a percentage of 67%. This condition indicates that although community understanding of the corridor program is still limited, they respond positively and demonstrate active involvement. This research emphasizes the importance of a participatory approach through community-based agroforestry development as a corridor-building strategy, which not only benefits the conservation of the Tapanuli orangutan but also supports the improvement of local community welfare.

Analysis of the Level of Participation and Perception of the Perupuk Village Community in Baru Bara Regency Towards the Management of Pantai Sejarah Nature Tourism

Aulia Rahmi, Rahmawaty, Zulkifli Lubis — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The management of natural tourism has one goal; one of the main objectives of natural tourism management is to increase local community income, which is closely linked to community participation and perception. This research aims to analyze the level of perception and participation of the Perupuk Village community towards the development of natural tourism at the Pantai Sejarah in Perupuk Village, Batu Bara Regency. This study employed a questionnaire-based interview method with 100 respondents for participation levels and 100 respondents for perception levels, including both residents and visiting tourists. The sample size was determined using Slovin's formula. In addition, direct observations were conducted to study the habits of a group of people in the vicinity of the Pantai Sejarah location, including residents, visiting tourists, traders, and tourism managers. Meanwhile, the relationship between perception, participation, and respondent characteristics was analyzed using Spearman's Rank Correlation Test. The results obtained from this research indicate that the participation level of the Perupuk Village community was high (62.22%), while the perception level was moderate (59.64%). The correlation test results indicate no significant relationship between participation and public perception. These findings suggest that while community participation and perception levels are relatively high, demographic factors such as age, gender, and Education have minimal influence. Further studies should explore strategies to enhance community engagement in tourism development.

Performance of Social Forestry Implementation at UPTD KPH IX Panyabungan

Solihin, Oding Affandi , Delvian, Rahmawaty, T. Aththorick Alief — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Social forestry (PS) is a form of sustainable forest management within state forest areas where local communities act as the leading actors to improve welfare, ecological balance, and socio-cultural dynamics. Although PS has been promoted to reduce poverty, increase local income, and strengthen forest conservation, many groups still face challenges in management, compliance, and financial sustainability. At the UPTD KPH IX Panyabungan, several social forestry groups have obtained legal approval but continue to struggle with fulfilling regulatory performance indicators, particularly in business development, area management, and financial contributions to the state (PNBP). This research was conducted in the North Sumatra Forest Management Unit Regional IX Panyabungan, involving four active social forestry groups (KPS): KTH Permata Belantara and KPS Sampean Jaya (HKm), KPS Globe Mangrove Indah (HD), and KPS Koperasi Rizki Jaya (HTR), selected from a total of seven groups at the site. This study aims to analyze the performance of KPS as PS approval recipients. The research employed a qualitative approach using field observations, in-depth interviews, and document analysis, with evaluation criteria and indicators based on the Regulation of the Minister of Environment and Forestry No. 9/2021. The novelty of this study lies in evaluating both the economic impacts and compliance performance of KPS after PS approval, while most previous studies mainly emphasized ecological or participation aspects. The results show that KPS fulfilled institutional indicators and generated additional income: KTH Permata Belantara (Rp. 31.9 million/year), KPS Sampean Jaya (Rp. 17.75 million/year), and KPS Gubeg Mulyoharjo Indah (Rp. 36.96 million/year). They also received capital support and planted 18,293 trees over three years. However, optimization is still needed in area management, business development, and non-tax state revenue (PNBP) payments. Thus, stronger institutional support, capacity building, and monitoring are required to ensure that PS not only meets administrative targets but also delivers measurable improvements in community welfare and forest sustainability.

Correlation between Housing Quality and the Human Development Index in North Sumatra

Lasma Melinda Siahaan, Natasya Santa Elisabeth Siahaan — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

A society's housing quality is a fundamental factor in its social and economic well-being, and it is presumed to be correlated with the Human Development Index, which measures a country's development. This study seeks to analyze the relationship between various indicators of housing quality and the components of the HDI in North Sumatra. The research utilizes a quantitative approach, employing numerical data and statistical analysis. The variables for housing quality include floor area per capita, access to drinking water, source of electricity, and decent sanitation conditions. The results of the Pearson correlation test showed a strong positive relationship between all four housing quality indicators and the HDI. The correlation coefficients ranged from 0.60 to 0.71, indicating that as these housing quality factors improve, the HDI is likely to increase as well. Specifically, floor area per capita showed the strongest correlation at 0.7167859, followed by electricity source and drinking water. These findings highlight that development is an interconnected system, not a series of isolated projects. The study concludes that policymakers in North Sumatra should adopt an integrated and holistic approach, prioritizing investment in basic housing facilities as a crucial pillar for human capital development and economic competitiveness.

Vegetation-Based Disaster Mitigation: A Case Study of Breadfruit Development in Maluku as a Means of Food Diversification

GTH Hasto Respatyo, Bimo Hernowo — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study examines the potential of local food crops in Maluku, namely breadfruit, within the Food Supply Chain (FSC) concept for disaster management as Emergency Food Products (EFP). In several disasters in Maluku, food supplies face significant challenges related to availability and sustainability. It is crucial to find strategies to maintain availability and sustainability while considering local potential. This study uses qualitative methods, including observation and focus group discussions (FGDs), to analyze vegetation-based disaster mitigation by assessing the potential of local food to ensure resilience in the face of risk-based disasters. The results of this study indicate that breadfruit cultivation in Maluku can be a disaster-responsive food source and fulfill the food supply chain concept for disaster management by increasing the distribution of breadfruit planting locations throughout Maluku Province. The findings of this study provide recommendations for incorporating breadfruit as a local food source into stakeholder policies, making vegetation-based mitigation a key strategy throughout the Maluku region.