Implementation of The Sustainable Palm Oil Plantation Policy In Bungo Regency Jambi Province

Abstract

The palm oil plantation sector is a strategic contributor to the economy of Bungo Regency, Jambi Province. However, amid increasing global and national demands for environmental sustainability, the implementation of sustainable palm oil policies continues to face various challenges. This study aims to analyze the implementation of sustainable palm oil policy in Bungo Regency, identify supporting and inhibiting factors, and formulate a more adaptive and collaborative implementation model. The research employs a qualitative approach with data collected through in-depth interviews, field observations, and document analysis. The data were analyzed descriptively through stages of data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing. The research findings indicate that: 1) the implementation of the policy has not been optimal across several dimensions: a. Standards and objectives, the policy is not fully understood by local implementers due to the absence of derivative technical regulations; b. Policy resources, face constraints in terms of limited human resources and budget allocation; c. Implementing organizations remain unintegrated and operate in sectoral silos; d. Inter-organizational communication is weak, predominantly top-down and instructional; e. Implementers' attitudes are marked by conflicts of interest; f. Socio-economic and political conditions tend to prioritize short-term economic interests over sustainability principles; 2) Supporting factors include the presence of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), increasing environmental awareness, and normative support from the central and provincial governments. Inhibiting factors include the absence of local regulations, limited budget and technical capacity, weak coordination, lack of political commitment at the local level, and dominance of local elite interests; 3) The study proposes a policy implementation model adapted from Meter and Horn (1975), incorporating additional dimensions of collaboration and oversight, as well as an enhanced ecological aspect. This model is expected to strengthen cross-actor synergy, promote long-term sustainability, and ensure accountability in the governance of sustainable palm oil policies at the regional level.