Stakeholder Analysis in the Implementation of Giam Siak Kecil - Bukit Batu Biosphere Reserve Concept, in Riau Province, Indonesia

Abstract

Biosphere reserve concept is an inclusive approach to integrate conservation of biodiversity and sustainable development in landscape scale. The implementation of biosphere reserve concept requires an integrated management strategy and engages stakeholder. The aims of this study were to analyze the importance and the influence of stakeholder, as well as how they interact in applying Giam Siak Kecil - Bukit Batu (GSKBB) Biosphere Reserve concept in Riau Province, Indonesia, and propose stakeholder management strategies. The data were collected by document study, field observation, and indepth interviews with informants who were selected through snowball sampling. The data was analyzed qualitatively and descriptively. The study has identified 37 stakeholder of GSKBB Biosphere Reserve, which consist of 10 key players, 9 subjects, and 7 context setters, and 11 crowds.

The key players were BBKSDA Riau, SMF, BAPPEDA of Riau Province, BAPPEDA of Regencies of Bengkalis, Siak, and Dumai, Community Empowerment and Rural Development Agency of Riau Province, Research and Development Agency of Riau Province, Environmental Agency of Riau Province, Regency Environmental Agency, the Indonesian MAB National Committee, and the Indonesian Institute of Science. The Indonesian MAB National Committee has actively established collaborations with the SMF, BBKSDA Riau, and local government during proposal phase of GSKBB area to UNESCO to become a Biosphere Reserve, but the level of cooperation decreases in the implementation phase. The coalition between BBKSDA Riau with SMF still exists in conducting several programs and activities in the core areas and buffer zones. On the other hand, conflicts in land uses still occur between local community and BBKSDA Riau and SMF. The Indonesian MAB National Committee should play an active role in empowering other stakeholder, especially local governments by facilitating secretariat of management coordination agency of GSKBB Biosphere Reserve to drive communication among stakeholder and gain access to government and international facilities.