2020 Volume 58 Issue 1 Pages 33-76
This article examines the reorganization of land-use practices and social relationships among members of an indigenous swidden society with the development of coal mining in East Kalimantan. Swiddeners develop large swidden fields using a paid labor system in the concession areas of mining companies to get compensation for their customary land rights. They also practice risk management through two methods. The first is to establish a paddy field and rubber garden on the same field after harvesting the rice, in case there is no compensation from the companies. The second is to oppose the development of coal mining near their village in order to maintain their swidden-based lifestyle. In this article social relationships are investigated with a primary focus on the paid labor system. This labor system is adopted by swiddeners to maintain their large swidden fields and on various other occasions, such as during an emergency. In addition, the paid labor system provides the economically disadvantaged members of the swidden society with a cash income. Moreover, although previous studies have suggested that exchanging commodities, including labor for money, depersonalizes social relationships, the paid labor system in this research is practiced within a social context. In conclusion, swiddeners take advantage of the development of coal mining and the intruding market economy while balancing existing land-use practices and social relationships.
