The strategy of agrarian conflict settlement on land acquisition in activities of irrigation networks construction

Abstract

This study aims to examine the causes of conflict between owners land with the government in land acquisition activities for the construction of irrigation networks as well as the strategy for resolving conflicts in land acquisition activities for the building of irrigation networks in Balangan District, South Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. The research design was descriptive qualitative research. Data is collected through interviews, observation, and documentation. To help identify the causes of the problem, this study applied a diagram analysis tool of Fishbone. For problem-solving strategies, this study employed a SWOT analysis. The object of this research is community members whose land is affected by the irrigation network construction project but has not agreed with the government regarding the release of the land. The results showed that the cause of the conflict between members of the community affected by the development of the irrigation network with the government is the value of compensation that has not been appropriate, lost some livelihood, inherited land that has historical significance, the presence of standing water in the garden, damaged roads villages, miscalculations in plant inventories, and incorrect land markings. Efforts to resolve conflicts between landowners and the government in land acquisition activities are 1) the government can review the value of compensation provided as a substitute or reward for what has been lost by taking into account physical losses and on things that are intangible; 2) the government needs to carry out education and training for implementing land acquisition activities; 3) the government needs to carry out a mitigation or long-term movement that aims to reduce the likelihood of disasters affecting environmental damage due to the construction of irrigation networks, and 4) the government can prioritize consensus deliberations while still fulfilling a sense of justice for landowners and upholding human rights. Keywords: conflict, land settlement, irrigation, construction