<![CDATA[Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis efektivitas pelaksanaan tugas Polisi Kehutanan dalam penanggulangan kebakaran hutan dan mengidentifikasi kendala utama yang dihadapi aparat Polhut di wilayah UPTD KPH Walanae. Pendekatan yang digunakan adalah kualitatif dengan metode yuridis empiris, berlokasi di UPTD KPH Walanae Kabupaten Soppeng. Data dikumpulkan melalui wawancara dengan Kepala UPTD, personel Polhut, aparat desa, dan masyarakat sekitar hutan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pelaksanaan fungsi Polisi Kehutanan belum optimal. Hal ini disebabkan oleh keterbatasan personel, minimnya pelatihan, sarana prasarana yang tidak memadai, serta luas dan sulitnya akses wilayah kerja. Mayoritas kebakaran disebabkan oleh aktivitas manusia diperparah oleh musim kemarau. Kendala yang dihadapi bersifat struktural dan kultural, termasuk lemahnya sistem pemantauan, rendahnya kesadaran hukum masyarakat, serta tidak konsistennya penegakan hukum. Koordinasi antarlembaga dan partisipasi masyarakat juga belum berjalan secara berkelanjutan. Upaya peningkatan efektivitas memerlukan pendekatan integratif melalui penguatan kelembagaan dan SDM, pemanfaatan teknologi, serta pemberdayaan masyarakat dalam sistem pengawasan dan penanggulangan kebakaran hutan secara berkelanjutan. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of forest ranger (Polhut) task implementation in forest fire mitigation and to identify the main challenges faced by forestry law enforcement officers in the Walanae Forest Management Unit (UPTD KPH Walanae). A qualitative approach with an empirical juridical method was employed, conducted in UPTD KPH Walanae, Soppeng Regency. Data were collected through interviews with the Head of UPTD, Polhut personnel, village officials, and local communities living near the forest. The findings indicate that the implementation of forestry law enforcement functions has not been optimal. This is attributed to limited personnel, inadequate training, insufficient facilities and infrastructure, as well as the vast and difficult-to-access work area. Most forest fires are caused by human activities, exacerbated by the dry season. The challenges faced are both structural and cultural, including weak monitoring systems, low public legal awareness, and inconsistent law enforcement. Inter-agency coordination and community participation have also not been sustained. Improving effectiveness requires an integrative approach through institutional and human resource strengthening, utilization of technology, and community empowerment in a sustainable forest fire prevention and mitigation system.]]>
