Work

Climate change in Indonesian forest governance: A frame analysis of the scientific discourse

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: :This paper explores how climate change is framed within Indonesia's scientific discourse on forest governance. We apply frame analysis to 204 scientific articles and identify the dominant problem and solution frames. Subsequently, we explore how these problem and solution frames shape Indonesia's scientific discourse on climate change and forest governance. The findings reveal a persistent dominance of ecological framing, which positions forests both as a major source of carbon emissions through deforestation and as crucial carbon sinks. This dual role has led to the widespread promotion of REDD+ as a central solution. However, the literature increasingly critiques REDD+ for its limited transformative impact and its neglect of socio-political complexities such as weak institutional capacity, tenure conflicts, and the exclusion of marginalized groups. The analysis also highlights how prevailing scientific frames often reflect global policy agendas, particularly through international research collaborations, while local and national contexts are less prominently featured. In response, this study calls for a more holistic approach that integrates socio-political dimensions and local-national context into ongoing discourse on climate change in forest governance in Indonesia.

Source: Forest Policy and Economics

DOI: 10.1016/j.forpol.2026.103766

Authors: Andita Aulia Pratama, Ahmad Maryudi, Daniela Kleinschmit

Institutions: University of Freiburg, Universitas Gadjah Mada

Language: English

Topic: Conservation, Biodiversity, and Resource Management

Subfield: Global and Planetary Change

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Life on land, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,370