Law Enforcement on Illegal Watershed Cultivation in Simalungun Regency

Abstract

Penegakan hukum terhadap budidaya ilegal di Daerah Aliran Sungai (DAS) merupakan tantangan yang signifikan, khususnya di Kabupaten Simalungun. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis efektivitas penegakan hukum terhadap budidaya ilegal, kendala yang dihadapi, dan kebijakan yang diperlukan untuk mengatasi permasalahan tersebut. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah pendekatan kualitatif dengan teknik pengumpulan data melalui wawancara mendalam, observasi lapangan, dan studi dokumen. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa upaya penegakan hukum telah dilakukan melalui pendekatan represif, seperti operasi gabungan dan sanksi hukum, serta pendekatan preventif, seperti sosialisasi dan edukasi. Namun, efektivitasnya masih terhambat oleh keterbatasan sumber daya, kurangnya koordinasi antar instansi, resistensi masyarakat setempat, dan kurangnya data akurat terkait pengelolaan DAS. Beberapa kebijakan strategis yang direkomendasikan antara lain peningkatan kapasitas aparat penegak hukum, pemberdayaan masyarakat melalui program mata pencaharian alternatif, penguatan sistem pemantauan berbasis teknologi, dan pendekatan partisipatif dalam perumusan kebijakan. Penerapan kebijakan yang holistik dan inklusif diharapkan dapat menciptakan keseimbangan antara pelestarian lingkungan dan peningkatan kesejahteraan masyarakat. Penelitian ini menekankan bahwa pengelolaan Daerah Aliran Sungai (DAS) yang berkelanjutan membutuhkan sinergi antara pendekatan hukum, sosial, dan teknologi. Dengan demikian, upaya penegakan hukum tidak hanya mampu mengatasi permasalahan hukum tetapi juga membangun kesadaran kolektif untuk melestarikan lingkungan. Law enforcement against illegal cultivation in the Watershed area is a significant challenge, especially in Simalungun Regency. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of law enforcement against illegal cultivation, the obstacles faced, and the policies needed to overcome these problems. The research method used is a qualitative approach with data collection techniques through in-depth interviews, field observations, and document studies. The results of the study show that law enforcement efforts have been carried out through repressive approaches, such as joint operations and legal sanctions, as well as preventive approaches, such as socialization and education. However, its effectiveness is still hampered by limited resources, lack of coordination between agencies, resistance of local communities, and lack of accurate data related to watershed management. Some of the recommended strategic policies include capacity building for law enforcement officials, community empowerment through alternative livelihood programs, strengthening technology-based monitoring systems, and participatory approaches in policy formulation. The implementation of holistic and inclusive policies is expected to create a balance between environmental conservation and improving community welfare. This research emphasizes that sustainable watershed management requires synergy between legal, social, and technological approaches. Thus, law enforcement efforts are not only able to overcome legal problems but also build collective awareness to preserve the environment.