This study aims to identify the factors influencing decision-making regarding
settlement and to examine the conservation efforts of the community around protected areas
in Ketenger Village, Baturraden district, Banyumas Regency. The research method used is
Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) with data collection conducted through in-depth interviews
and field observations of seven informants, including six village officials and one community
leader, obtained using a purposive sampling technique. Data analysis is performed using
qualitative descriptive analysis and mapping using GIS 10.8 to determine the extent of land
use in Ketenger Village. The study found several factors influencing the decision-making of
the community regarding settlement, including 1) Ancestry, 2) Comfort and security of living
place, 3) Accessibility and service convenience, and 4) Proximity to workplaces and job
opportunities. Regarding conservation efforts by the community around protected areas,
both vegetative and mechanical methods are used, with modem terms such as terracing and
bench terracing being applied in rice fields. Additionally, traditional practices are still often
carried out, such as the "sedekah bumi" ritual during the Javanese month of Suro.
Conservation efforts in Ketenger Village focus on three aspects: 1) Social Aspect, related to
enhancing social harmony in the community and promoting awareness of the right to
engage in conservation activities. 2) Ecological Aspect, conceming forest regulations
consisting of Protected Forest (HL) as preservation and research objects for flora and
fauna, as well as Community Forest (HKM) utilized for non-timber/timber products, water,
latex, etc., under contract systems supervised by the Village Forest Community Institution
(LMDH) Gempita and the Village Government. The community generally practices
agroforestry for various crops such as avocado, coffee, durian, and cardamom. 3) Eco-
Tourism Aspect, aimed at realizing the LMDH Gempita Tourism Village, which not only
focuses on conservation and environmental preservation but also improves the local
economy by utilizing potential tourist attractions such as Bayan waterfall, Jenggala
waterfall, Pengantin waterfall, scenic hill, Pitu spring, moon orchid cultivation, and black
rice cultivation.