Resilience in Mega Projects: A Study of Social Resilience in Lombok International Airport's Surrounding Area

Abstract

Development of Lombok International Airport has resulted a transformation not only in the land use of the surrounding area, but also the livelihood of the villagers who live there. Located in agricultural land whereas the main occupation of local population are mostly farmers, the airport has brought service-based industry occupation which the local population need to adapt to. While development of the airport has brought positive economic growth, and infrastructure development, the transformation also generates friction and conflict of interests between stakeholders. Therefore, while development focuses more on economic and spatial planning, this study will assess social resilience against gentrification which is the ability to cope, adapt, and build positive transformation from the development of the Lombok International Airport. From the study, author found that the level of social resilience of the community resides around the airport are quite low. The conclusion was based from data collection from field works which fulfil social resilience three categories: coping capacity, adaptive capacity, and transformative capacity. Although the level to cope with the development is quite high by maximizing their informal network, the community level of awareness, and preparedness towards the possibility of gentrification is really low. Furthermore, high level of adaptation of local community results in disturbance to airport’s development and operation. Lastly, low level of building a positive development is low due lack of participation and communication between stakeholders which would jeopardize long-term economic gain from the airport development.

Keywords: Social resilience, Mega-project, Infrastructure, Sustainable development