FAIR AND INCLUSIVE LAND ACQUISITION IMPLEMENTATION TO PREVENT ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION AND THE MARGINALIZATION OF AFFECTED COMMUNITIES

Land acquisition for development in the public interest plays an important role in infrastructure development; however, it may have adverse impacts on food security, livelihoods, social welfare, and the environment of affected communities. This study examines the impacts of land acquisition and land appropriation on local communities and explores how infrastructure development can be implemented fairly and inclusively to prevent environmental degradation and community marginalization. This study employs a normative juridical method using statutory and conceptual approaches. The study relies on secondary data obtained through a literature review, comprising primary, secondary, and tertiary legal materials, which are analyzed using a descriptive-analytical approach. The results indicate that land acquisition that is not implemented fairly and inclusively may lead to the loss of productive land, declining food security, disruption of livelihoods, and increased socioeconomic vulnerability and community conflicts. Therefore, infrastructure planning and development should incorporate the principles of justice, transparency, participation, and inclusivity while taking into account community protection and environmental sustainability. Accordingly, land acquisition must be able to balance development interests with the protection of rights, community welfare, and environmental sustainability.