Tourism and Environmental Justice: The Displacement of Coastal Communities for Resort Development in Indonesia

Abstract

Coastal communities in Indonesia have long relied on their local ecosystems for their livelihoods, yet the expansion of resort tourism has increasingly displaced these populations, threatening both their socio-economic stability and environmental well-being. This paper examines the environmental justice implications of resort development on coastal communities, focusing on areas like Bali, Lombok, and Java. The study investigates how large-scale tourism infrastructure projects, driven by both domestic and international investments, have led to the displacement of fishing communities and the destruction of natural resources. Drawing on a combination of fieldwork, interviews with displaced community members, and policy analysis, the paper highlights the lack of adequate compensation for displaced individuals and the failure of environmental safeguards in tourism development. The research argues that a more inclusive approach to tourism planning is needed—one that prioritizes the rights of local populations, integrates environmental sustainability, and ensures that displaced communities are fairly compensated for their losses.