Connecting Our Research

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Erica’s research describes the unique qualities of Indonesia’s biodiverse and natural resource rich environment. This environment, due to its abundant resources, is intrinsically connected to the local and national politics of the country. It is the question of how to delegate these resources, in what ways and to who’s profit, which connects our research.

 

Victoria’s research on the Sama people, a group of nomads viewed as environmentally harmful, concludes that government efforts to sedentarize these communities decreases the sustainability of their traditional lifestyle.

 

Similarly, Aidan’s research suggests that the potential for sustainability in the Sulawesi highlands already has a foundation in local traditions. Government intervention in these communities does not necessarily denote sustainable environmental policy. In this case, a decentralized or more local form of governance which respects local history and traditions may be more successful in achieving greater sustainability.

 

However, both Victoria and Aidan’s research emphasizes that these communities are interested in participating in the global economy and increasing their personal wealth. Many Sama increasingly participate in the illegal fishing industry for which there is a high incentive to extract rare and endangered species. Likewise, the Lore Lindu National Park in Central Sulawesi is continually losing ground to migrants looking to establish cash crop farms of their own.

 

This tension between economic growth and sustainability is further explored by Anna’s research. She makes the claim that the decentralization of the Indonesian government has led to increased commercialization of agriculture. This in part is due to new relationships between local governments and private companies which do not always prioritize sustainable agricultural processes. An example from Anna’s research was the transition in Western Sumatra to a commercial farm economy increased the vulnerability of farmers to economic fluctuations encouraging greater land use and “slash and burn” methods. Erika’s research also highlights this disturbing trend in which economic downturn spurs increased clearing of mangroves for shrimp ponds. Our research compounds upon the significance of the tension between sustainability and economic growth as an actor in the global economy.

 

Conclusion

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Our research was an exploration of the diversity of challenges to environmental conservation and sustainability in Indonesia. The tension between ethnicities, local and national governments, commercial and traditional agriculture, and sustainability and economic growth will characterize Indonesia’s development. It was an essential component of our preparation for the trip because it gave the context to make meaningful observations once on the ground.