Coal Business and Local Political Dynamics
Coal is not just economic goods, but also political "stuff". As economic goods, coal is one form of naturalwealth of Indonesia which became the object of business because it has a high selling value. In a number ofareas in Kalimantan and Sumatra, investment activities are based on natural resources, in general coal. Thisstudy attempts to answer three questions. Firstly, is the regional authority in mining business licensingconsistent in formal procedures or are there also informal procedures? Secondly, whose interests areprimary in coal-based investment activities in Tanah Bumbu? Thirdly, how is the involvement of coal mineoperators in the political process, especially the 2005 and 2010 elections in Tanah Bumbu District followingthe implications in the context of local power?