Multi-stakeholder forums (MSFs) are coordination spaces that facilitate discussions, negotiations, and joint planning among various actors to address complex problems. This paper explores the roles of trust and leadership in three MSFs focused on land and resource use in Indonesia. The study found that conflicting interests can hinder trust-building and cooperation, while historical relationships between stakeholders influence strategies for managing antagonism. Different leadership styles are necessary depending on the MSF context: shared leadership is effective among participants with positive past relationships, while charismatic leadership is needed in scenarios with conflicts of interest or low trust.