Progress In Social Development

CLIMATE CHANGE AND COMMUNITY PERCEPTION: THE CASE STUDY IN MIANG ISLAND VILLAGE, EAST KUTAI

Onyhanda Fatma Sariasih, Muhammad Arifin — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 11:37:00 +0700

The phenomenon of climate change currently occurring not only impacts the environment but also affects human life, especially vulnerable groups whose livelihoods depend on natural resources and environmental conditions, one of which is the maritime community whose life depends on the sea and weather conditions. This study aims to elucidate the complexity of perceptions regarding climate change and environmental degradation from the perspective of the Miang Island community, whose livelihoods depend on the sea, and to analyze the relationship between the community and its environment. This study uses a descriptive qualitative method with a phenomenological type and employs the New Environmental Paradigm theory to understand the relationship between the two. The research results show that community perceptions are formed due to the interaction between the community and the environment, creating an experience that indicates the occurrence of climate change phenomena and forming a traditional knowledge base for the community, assuming that these phenomena refer to the transitional seasons and environmental degradation. Based on that traditional knowledge, the community undertakes adaptation and mitigation efforts that are both physical and socio-cultural, ranging from the tradition of tolak bala to the formation of youth communities aimed at preserving the natural environment on Miang Island. This encourages decision-making that leads to ecological and economic sustainability, prompting the community to be more conservative in their interactions with the environment for the sake of future environmental sustainability. The results of this study can be used by the government as a basis for formulating climate change mitigation policies for island communities.

RATIONAL CHOICE ANALYSIS OF MICRO ENTREPRENEURS IN THE VICINITY OF BONTANG CITIMALL

Pipit Ade Nita, Agustin Nurmanina — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 22:38:20 +0700

This study aims to analyze entrepreneurial motivation and the changes in micro-enterprise conditions around Bontang Citimall, particularly after the shopping center began operating. The research employed a descriptive qualitative method, with data obtained through in-depth interviews with micro-business owners in Kelurahan Tanjung Laut. The findings indicate that entrepreneurial motivation is driven by economic needs, the desire for independence, and market opportunities arising from the high mobility of mall visitors. The presence of Bontang Citimall has had a significant impact on the economic aspects of micro-enterprises, including an increase in the number and diversity of consumers, higher sales turnover, and expanded business capacity. Although social changes are not visibly dominant, this study found changes in the interaction patterns among business actors, such as adjustments in operating hours and informal communication. Moreover, the study also reveals gaps in access to information regarding government MSME empowerment programs, including training, promotion, and financing schemes. These additional findings show the importance of synergy between modern infrastructure development and the strengthening of the local economy, as well as the improvement of MSME empowerment policy effectiveness to make it more inclusive.

CREATIVE ECONOMY DEVELOPMENT FOR FORMER EAST TIMOR REFUGEES IN INDONESIA’S BORDER REGION: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK BASED ON LITERATURE AND POLICY ANALYSIS

Wida Ayu Puspitosari — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:54:45 +0700

Despite receiving Indonesian citizenship in 2003, approximately 30,000 former East Timor conflict refugees in Belu Regency remain economically marginalized and face land insecurity and limited livelihood opportunities over two decades after displacement. Existing scholarship tends to examine refugee economic integration and creative economy development as separate domains, leaving a gap in understanding how creative industries might serve as systematic pathways for post-conflict integration in developing-country border regions with distinctive cultural assets. This study employs a qualitative, desk-based methodology integrating systematic literature review, policy document analysis from Indonesian government agencies and international organizations, and comparative case analysis of creative economy initiatives in post-conflict settings, including Colombia, Rwanda, Bangladesh, and Vietnam. The analysis identifies four complementary development pillars involving traditional crafts revival and market integration, cross-border cultural tourism, digital creative industries, and performing arts for social cohesion that structured into an integrated model tailored to Belu’s specific context of shared Tetum cultural heritage, transborder kinship networks, and emerging bilateral cooperation with Timor-Leste. Comparative evidence indicates that creative economy initiatives achieve greatest effectiveness when designed with genuine community ownership, conflict sensitivity, and realistic market linkage strategies. The proposed framework addresses systemic barriers including infrastructure deficits, financing constraints, and land tenure insecurity, and offers policy recommendations for coordinated implementation by government agencies, international organizations, and community-based institutions.