Ail Muldi, Husnan Nurjuman, Naniek Afrilla Framani, Yayan Saryani

Portrait of Communication and Sea Sand Mining Conflict in Indonesia

Introduction

Portrait of communication and sea sand mining conflict in indonesia. Explores sea sand mining conflicts in Indonesia, caused by poor communication & overlapping interests. Analyzes competitive resolutions in Sumatra, Sulawesi, and Nusa Tenggara, finding root causes unaddressed, leading to recurring issues.

Abstract

Conflicts over sea sand mining in Indonesia has intensified over the past ten years as more concessions have been granted to companies engaged in sea sand production. The location of the sea sand mine overlapping with fishermen's fishing grounds and the lack of communication cause conflicts between coastal and small islands society and local governments, as well as companies that hold license or companies that conduct sea sand mining. The sea sand mining conflicts in three provinces has occurred, escalated and reached the stage of violence. The research used a variety of conflict analysis tools to explain the typology, stages, cycles and applicable conflict management. The research used qualitative methods with a multi-special approach and data collection was carried out by interviewing several informants, and researching documentation studies including literature from similar previous research documentation. The research found that the resolution of sea sand mining conflicts that occurred on the islands of Sumatra, Sulawesi and Nusa Tenggara was competitive with a lose-win orientation. Conflict settlement took place with one party conceding to the other, third-party intervention and consideration on the demand of sea sand market. In three research locations it is known that conflict resolution fails to address the root cause of the issue, causing it to revert to the basic stage of conflict. As a result, at some point, conflict can escalate and become apparent as in line with market demand after the legalization of sea sand exports.

Review

This paper, "Portrait of Communication and Sea Sand Mining Conflict in Indonesia," addresses a highly pertinent and pressing issue concerning environmental justice, resource management, and social cohesion in coastal communities. It aims to elucidate the complex dynamics of intensified conflicts arising from sea sand mining concessions in Indonesia, particularly focusing on the clash between the interests of coastal and small island societies and those of mining companies and local governments. The abstract clearly identifies the lack of effective communication and the spatial overlap of mining operations with traditional fishing grounds as key drivers exacerbating these disputes, which have unfortunately escalated to violence in several regions. The research employs a qualitative methodology with a multi-special approach, relying on data collected through informant interviews and extensive documentation studies, including previous relevant literature. This robust qualitative design is well-suited for a nuanced exploration of conflict typology, stages, cycles, and applicable management strategies, as indicated by the abstract. The study reveals that conflict resolution in the investigated locations – Sumatra, Sulawesi, and Nusa Tenggara – predominantly follows a competitive, lose-win orientation. Settlements often involve one party conceding, third-party intervention, and considerations of market demand for sea sand, highlighting the often-imbalanced power dynamics at play. A crucial and concerning finding is that current conflict resolution mechanisms consistently fail to address the root causes of these disputes, leading to their recurrence and potential re-escalation, particularly following policy changes such as the legalization of sea sand exports. This suggests a systemic issue where superficial settlements merely defer rather than resolve underlying tensions, leaving communities vulnerable to renewed conflict as market demands fluctuate. The paper's strength lies in identifying this cyclical pattern and the critical role of inadequate conflict management. This timely research offers vital insights for policymakers and practitioners aiming to develop more sustainable and equitable approaches to resource governance and conflict prevention in similar contexts globally.

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