This book brings to light the sustainability dilemma in Southeast Asia, with a sharp focus on Indonesia’s rapid economic growth and its profound impact on natural resources, ecosystems, and society. It examines the complex challenge of fostering strong economic development while avoiding environmental degradation and social dislocation. Central to this discourse is the vital role of government regulation and the imperative of community involvement in managing natural resources. Indonesia’s economic boom—mirroring trends across Asia—has triggered escalating land-use conflicts in forests, peatlands, rural-urban zones, and karst landscapes. This is paralleled by expanding access to coal, tin, and oil and gas, leading to large-scale extractive operations and widespread environmental damage. The book adopts a sustainable development framework, exploring its ecological, economic, social, and political dimensions. Crucially, it argues that today’s socio-ecological crisis is not just a consequence of growth, but a systemic condition rooted in capitalism. Written by leading experts, the book offers interdisciplinary perspectives—socio-cultural, legal, political, and economic—supported by detailed case studies. A timely and essential resource for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners committed to Indonesia’s sustainable future.
Part 1 Introduction.
Chapter 1 Problems of the Socio-Ecological Crisis
in Indonesia from the Perspective of Sustainable Development.- Part 2 Natural
Resource Governance from a Political, Policy and Legal Perspective.
Chapter
2 Environmental and Societal Challenges in Indonesia: An Evaluation of Laws,
Policies and Natural Resources Governance.
Chapter 3 Natural Resources
Governance from Perspective of Politics: The Indonesians Case.
Chapter 4
Prospects and Trends in Natural Resource Governance: A Case Study of Tin
Reclamation Land in East Belitung, Indonesia.
Chapter 5 Socio-Ecological
Crisis of Abandoned Coal-Mining Pits in East Kalimantan: Efforts to Fight
Injustice.
Henny Warsilah is Research Professor in Development Sociology (Urban-Rural) at the Center for Society and Culture Research, National Research and Innovation Agency (PMB BRIN). Her study focuses on Urban development, social transformation, resilient city, and social conflict. Her latest publication includes an edited volume on Climate Change, Community Response, and Resilience (Elsevier, 2023).
Agus Heri Purnomo is Research Professor of the Research Center for Society and Culture at the National Research and Innovation Agency. His research interests focus on marine and fisheries socio-economic aspects of sustainable development. He also has experience leading two national research institutions, in socio-economics and in fish processing/technology.
