Thesis abstract:

«p»The last decade has seen increasing legal recognition of customary land tenure in Indonesia and this is a rapidly evolving area of Indonesian law, but it remains unclear whether the formalization of customary tenure will enhance or reduce access to land as a livelihood resource, especially for smallholders. This study seeks to understand the interplay between the legal recognition of customary law communities (and customary land) with land access arrangements affecting farming and smallholder livelihoods. While farming is becoming less important to the economy and primary employment overall in Indonesia, rural land access is still important for many households for purposes other than profit-maximizing agriculture (such as cultural values, speculation, or livelihood security). This study will determine the appropriate role and form of customary land tenure in Indonesia’s transitioning economy in an attempt to promote sustainable development and a just future for all.«/p» «p»The study will contribute to an understanding of the impacts of customary law recognition in Indonesia on land access and changing rural livelihoods. At a conceptual level, the study will make important contributions to the relationship between regulation, institutional environment, and processes of agrarian transition. The Covid-19 crisis demonstrated how access to rural farmland can have immense importance for livelihoods when it performs a livelihood safety net. This, however, depends upon supportive land access policies and this is likely to be affected by legal recognition of customary land.«/p»