“The economic impact of tin mining in Indonesia during an era of decentralisation, 2001–2015: A case study of Kepulauan Bangka Belitung Province”

Abstract

This paper examines the economic impacts of tin mining activities in Indonesia during the country's decentralisation period, 2001–2015, focusing on the case of Kepulauan Bangka Belitung Province. Here, the evidence points to tin mining contributing significantly to Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) and, through catalysing backward linkages, having fuelled growth in local construction and manufacturing trades. In addition, the multiplier effects of tin mining have significantly affected household income across the province. From an economic standpoint, therefore, tin mining has not caused a resource curse in Kepulauan Bangka Belitung Province, although production has been associated with a series of adverse social and environmental impacts.