Dynamics of regulation and institutions of natural resource conservation in Indonesia: Historical study and policy analysis

¹ Study Program of Coastal and Marine Resources Management, Department of Aquatic Resources Management, IPB University, 16680 Bogor, Indonesia
² Department of Aquatic Resource Management, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, IPB University, 16680 Bogor, Indonesia
³ Center for Coastal and Marine Resources Studies, IPB University, Kampus IPB Baranangsiang, 16127 Bogor, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

This study aims to explore the regulatory policies and institutional frameworks for the geographical history of natural resource conservation governance in Indonesia from the Dutch colonial period to 2024. Through document analysis and historical institutionalism, the study maps jurisdictional shifts, legal overlaps, and fragmented administration in coastal and marine conservation governance. The results reveal that the inter-institutional framework for managing conservation has not been effective due to unclear mandates and poor inter-organizational collaboration. Recent reforms, for example, Law No. 32/2024 and Ministerial Regulation No. 6/2024, still face structural challenges in integrating maritime socio-cultural aspects and promoting the community. The study emphasizes the need to bridge the gap between law, governance that includes all stakeholders, and strengthening institutions, enforcing conservation driven by adaptive performance to enhance coherence and sustainability.