Strategies for resolving land conflicts in plasma oil palm plantations: Evidence from Bualemo District, Indonesia

Land conflicts within plasma oil palm plantation systems have become a major socio-agrarian issue in Indonesia, particularly in areas characterized by unequal land control and weak partnership governance. This study aims to analyze land conflict resolution strategies in the plasma oil palm plantation area of Bualemo District, Banggai Regency, focusing on institutional mechanisms, stakeholder involvement, and participatory approaches in conflict management. This research employed a qualitative case study approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, field observations, and documentation studies involving local communities, plantation company representatives, government officials, and other relevant stakeholders. The analysis applied stakeholder mapping and SWOT analysis to identify strategic factors influencing conflict resolution processes.The findings reveal that mediation and negotiation were the primary mechanisms used to address land disputes between local communities and the plantation company. However, conflict resolution efforts remained ineffective due to unequal bargaining power, legal uncertainty regarding land ownership, weak institutional coordination, and limited transparency in plasma partnership implementation. Stakeholder analysis showed that the plantation company possessed dominant influence, while local communities had strong interests but limited authority in decision-making processes. The study further found that participatory approaches involving community leaders, local governments, and civil society organizations contributed to reducing tensions and strengthening dialogue among conflicting parties. SWOT analysis indicated that community solidarity and increasing public awareness regarding agrarian rights created opportunities for more sustainable conflict management despite persistent structural and institutional challenges. This study concludes that sustainable land conflict resolution in plasma oil palm plantations requires participatory governance, institutional strengthening, transparent partnership mechanisms, and stronger protection of community land rights. The findings contribute to the development of more equitable and sustainable agrarian conflict resolution strategies in Indonesia’s plantation sector.