Land Conflict and The Peasant Movement in West Telukjambe Karawang Regency

Abstract

— Land conflicts between peasants and corporations often occur because of two different interests. The corporations are more based on economic interests, while the peasants are more based on the interests of land value as inheritance and survival. The objective of this research was to describe land conflicts and peasant resistance movements in three villages in west Telukjambe, Karawang regency, West Java. The research method is descriptive with a qualitative approach, the data is collected through interviews, FGD and documents related to this research study. The results showed that the land conflict between three villages in West Telukjambe was triggered by a process of capital accumulation by corporations which was strengthened by regulations that were more favorable to capital owners. This encouraged peasants to take action through resistance movements supported by activists and students. However, peasants' resistance is faced with two big forces, namely the political power of the state and the economic power of corporations, as well as pressure and threats from other parties. This condition had an impact on the strength of the peasant movement which ultimately weakened. Declination of the peasant movement is not only influenced by external factors but also by internal influences.