Local Wisdom-Based Environmental Management Policy in Indonesia: Challenges and Implementation

Local wisdom comprises community-based knowledge and practices inherited across generations that emphasize harmony with nature. In Indonesia, these traditional approaches, such as the size in Papua and subak in Bali, play a significant role in sustaining ecological balance. This study aims to explore the role of local wisdom in environmental management and examine the extent to which Indonesian environmental legislation supports or hinders its implementation. Using a normative legal approach and literature review, this research analyzes laws, policies, and customary practices related to environmental governance. The findings reveal that while several legal instruments—such as Law No. 32/2009 on Environmental Protection and Law No. 5/1990 on Conservation—acknowledge and support traditional knowledge, challenges persist. Modernization, conflicting economic interests, and lack of local government support often marginalize indigenous wisdom. Moreover, policy implementation remains inconsistent and sometimes counterproductive. The study concludes that integrating local wisdom into environmental policymaking is essential for sustainable resource management in Indonesia. Strengthening legal recognition, fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration, and raising awareness among policymakers are crucial strategies. Recognizing local wisdom not only ensures ecological sustainability but also upholds social justice for indigenous communities.