Local political dynamics of coastal and marine resource governance: A case study of tin-mining at a coastal community in Indonesia

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to explore the history of suction dredging and the local political dynamics of coastal resource governance in a village on Bangka Island, Indonesia. Using both qualitative and quantitative approaches, this study is significant for the quality of the data obtained through field visits, in-depth surveys, and interviews with the affected local community, representing different subsistence groups and socio-economic-political stratifications. This study found that both economic and local socio-political factors influenced the local community’s acceptance of suction dredging. Compensation provided a compelling reason to agree to license mining activity. The key reasons for opposing suction dredging included resource depletion and deterioration, reduction in the quantity and price of fish, and difficulties associated with finding alternative livelihoods. Most of the net-fishing community disagreed with suction dredging, but the local political system stifled their opposition. The lack of fair decision-making processes for these licenses is indicative of an immature democracy.