Local wisdom and forest governance: implications for environmental education policy in Indonesia

Widespread forest degradation poses a serious threat to ecological balance and long-term sustainability. Many forest conservation policies have shown limited effectiveness because they overlook the governance role of indigenous communities and the local wisdom embedded in customary institutions. This study examines how local wisdom functions as a form of community-based forest governance and explores its implications for environmental education policy. The research aims to identify and analyze the forms of local wisdom still practiced by indigenous communities in Indonesia, in regulating and protecting forest resources. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through participatory observation, in-depth interviews with indigenous leaders and community members, and documentation of customary laws, traditional manuscripts, and everyday practices. Thematic analysis was employed to identify patterns of values, norms, and governance mechanisms related to forest conservation. The findings reveal that local wisdom operates not merely as cultural heritage but as a living socio-ecological governance system that regulates access, enforces customary prohibitions, structures spatial management, and sustains biodiversity. These customary governance mechanisms demonstrate effectiveness in preventing overexploitation and maintaining ecological balance. The study further argues that recognizing such local governance systems should inform environmental education policy, particularly by integrating indigenous conservation principles into formal curricula to strengthen ecological awareness and sustainability values in primary education.