Third-Party Intervention in Terminating Oil Palm Plantation Conflicts in Indonesia: A Structural Analysis

Academic literature emphasizes the importance of agents in conflict resolution analysis and neglects the influence of structure. A study of the resolution of conflict between the people of Pangean Village, Riau Province, and an oil palm plantation company shows that structure contributes to the resolution process and to the outcome of conflict. The conflict in question concerned a plot of land cultivated by PT Citra Riau Sarana (PT CRS) as part of its oil palm plantation and by smallholders linked to the company. The local district government tried but was unable to end the conflict. With the involvement of an NGO, the people of Pangean Village and PT CRS succeeded in reaching consensus, in implementing written agreements and in resolving their conflict.