The Woloan Stilt House Industry and Inequality in Access to Wood: A Regulatory Review and Reflections on Public Ecotheology
Keywords:
Woloan stilt houses, timber access, structural inequality, forestry regulations, public ecotheology, ecological justiceAbstract
The stilt house industry in Woloan Village, Minahasa, has developed into an icon of the local economy and culture that depends on the availability of timber raw materials. However, this industry faces serious issues in the form of inequality in access to timber resources between large businesses, small craftsmen, and the local community. This study aims to analyze the regulatory policies governing timber distribution, uncover the forms of inequality that exist, and offer a public eco-theological reflection as an ethical and spiritual framework for addressing this issue. Using a descriptive-critical qualitative approach and case studies, data was collected through in-depth interviews, analysis of forestry policy documents, and field observations. The results of the study show that forestry regulations do not yet fully guarantee equitable access and are still marred by bureaucratic practices, corruption, and the dominance of certain actors in timber distribution. Public eco-theological reflection highlights the importance of human responsibility towards creation, ecological justice, and the role of faith communities in advocating for fair and sustainable resource management. This study recommends regulatory reforms based on local participation, the empowerment of churches in ecological education, and cross-sector collaboration to create more equitable and sustainable forest governance.
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