Examining communication strategy and implementation of the social forestry program of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry Indonesia in Bandung West Java

This article examines the communication strategies of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry in promoting the Environmental Partnership program within Social Forestry. Using a qualitative case study approach, the research focuses on the Forest Village Community Institutions (LMDH) Manglayang Lestari and Manglayang Hijau in Cileunyi Sub-district, Bandung Regency, West Java. Data were collected through field observations, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. The findings reveal communication barriers in the program’s dissemination, particularly by the Directorate of Environmental Partnerships. The communication strategy aims to raise stakeholder awareness of their rights and responsibilities in social forestry and to foster understanding of partnership-based forest management. Key elements include optimizing internal and external communication resources, strengthening public awareness, aligning socialization efforts, and employing persuasive communication within the Social Forestry Working Group. However, inconsistencies and unclear messaging persist, leaving some community groups underserved. Moreover, the implementation of the program by LMDH Manglayang Hijau has been suboptimal due to weak communication between program facilitators, forest administrators, and local farmers. The study highlights the need for more coherent and inclusive communication strategies to ensure broader and more effective participation in the Social Forestry program.