INSTITUTIONAL APPROACH FOR ADAT COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT: CASE OF KASEPUHAN CIPTAGELAR IN WEST JAVA

Abstract This study aims to explain the application of institutional approach for adat community empowerment, through a case of Kasepuhan Ciptagelar. It employs qualitative research design, and finds that the implementation of adat community empowerment program did not improve the institutional capacity, especially persons and their structures. As a consequence, there are misunderstandings and conflicts of interest, especially related to forest and land management, between the adat community and the government. To be more effective, the government needs to increase the frequency of open dialogue with Adat institutions and people. The government also needs to consider the Adat values ​​and culture, and support the community initiatives by providing facilities and other supporting factors. Keywords: Adat Community Empowerment, Institutional Approach, Kasepuhan Ciptagelar