Issues
v14n3, 2025
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Navigating Transformation: The 1729 Batavia Expedition, Maritime Ethos, and the Question of a “Dawn of Civilization” on Rote Island PDF 10.21463/jmic.2025.14.3.01AbstractKeywords
This article offers an analysis of the “Batavia 1729 Expedition,” a pivotal event that served as a watershed moment in the history of Rote Island, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Remembered in the local tongue as “Sangga Ndolu,” this voyage—helmed by Foeh Mbura, the ruler of Nusak Thiie—marked the inaugural engagement between the Rotenese people and the Dutch East India Company (VOC) in Batavia.
The study seeks to unravel the complex web of motivations behind this undertaking. Rotenese oral traditions suggest that the expedition was fundamentally a quest for peace, knowledge, and spiritual fulfillment, emerging as a response to a period characterized by social stagnation and deep-seated unrest. Furthermore, the inquiry traces the expedition's critical role as a catalyst for Christianization and the introduction of formal Western education on the island, while simultaneously offering a critical re-examination of the colonial narrative regarding the “Dawn of Civilization.”
Of particular interest is the nexus between this mission and Rote’s maritime heritage, specifically highlighting the historical interplay with Makassarese seafarers involved in the regional trepang trade. By synthesizing historical analyses of secondary sources—grounded in primary VOC archives and documented oral histories—and applying a critical lens to colonial accounts, this research illuminates the distinct nature of socio-cultural transformation in Rote.
Key findings underscore a dynamic interplay between local agency—embodied in Foeh Mbura’s initiative—and external forces, namely Dutch colonial power and regional Makassarese maritime networks. It reveals how local traditions demonstrated resilience and adapted to navigate these shifts. Ultimately, this study contributes to a richer, more nuanced understanding of regional maritime history, cross-cultural encounters, and the dynamics of socio-religious change in Eastern Indonesia during the 18th century.
Batavia Expedition 1729, Sangga Ndolu, Christianization, Social-Cultural Transformation, Maritime History
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Militarizing Coffee Branding in the Maritime World: Babinsa and Social Change in Java’s Island Culture, Indonesia PDF 10.21463/jmic.2025.14.3.02AbstractKeywords
This article examines the intersection between militarization, local culture, and rural economic revitalization through the case of coffee branding in Taji Village, Malang, East Java, Indonesia. Drawing on ethnographic observations, interviews, and document analysis, the study highlights the role of Babinsa (village supervisory non-commissioned officers) as agents of social change who mobilize cultural narratives and community participation in coffee production and branding. By situating Taji’s highland coffee within the broader maritime and island world of Java, the research demonstrates how state military actors engage in rural development not only through security functions but also through economic and cultural initiatives. The case of Babinsa Heri reveals how coffee branding becomes a medium for constructing local identity, strengthening communal solidarity, and connecting highland communities with maritime trade networks. This study contributes to debates on militarization and rural development by showing how military presence in everyday life can simultaneously reproduce state authority and foster community-based innovation.
Babinsa, coffee branding, militarization, island culture, maritime world
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Maritime Jurisdiction and Sea Boundary Delimitation around Small Offshore Islands: A Case Study of the Sasu-do Waters between Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and Wando County, Korea PDF 10.21463/jmic.2025.14.3.03AbstractKeywords
The Sasudo sea area, located between Wando-gun in Jeollanam-do and Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, consists of a small island and its surrounding waters long used as a key coastal fishery ground. The Constitutional Court’s 2005Hun-Ra11 decision confirmed Jeju’s administrative jurisdiction over the island itself but expressly left unresolved the question of jurisdiction over the broader adjacent waters. This created a structural legal vacuum in which the island’s affiliation is clear, but maritime jurisdiction remains undetermined—a vacuum that has resurfaced amid recent offshore wind and renewable energy development, generating renewed conflict between Wando and Jeju. This article provides a normative analysis of Korea’s maritime boundary disputes using Sasudo as a focal case and proposes principled standards for intra-state maritime delimitation through comparison with domestic law and international jurisprudence. It reviews Korea’s legal framework and major Constitutional Court cases—2005Hun-Ra11, 2015Hun-Ra7, and 2022Hun-Ra1—highlighting the emerging three-step domestic approach: statutory rules, unwritten customary boundaries based on long-term practice and opinio juris, and equitable delimitation when neither exists. It also synthesizes the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) methodology of provisional equidistance, adjustment for relevant circumstances, and disproportionality review, together with their consistent limitation of the effect of small or uninhabited islands. Applying these standards to Sasudo suggests that island sovereignty (Jeju) should be analytically separated from maritime allocation, and that equity, proportionality, geographic continuity with Wando, and long-standing fisheries and administrative practices support attributing much of the disputed sea area to Wando. The article concludes by proposing reforms to Korea’s maritime-boundary regime, including clearer rules on the limited effect of small islands, equity-based criteria for delimitation, and joint-management and benefit-sharing mechanisms in areas where offshore wind development intersects with traditional fisheries.
Sasudo, maritime boundary, competence dispute, small islands, ICJ, ITLOS, public waters, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, Wando-gun
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Small Island Livelihood Adaptation Strategies: The Case of Mina-anod Island, Llorente, Eastern Samar, Philippines PDF 10.21463/jmic.2025.14.3.04AbstractKeywords
Livelihood adaptation is critical for small island communities vulnerable to the exacerbating impact of climate change. However, there are limited studies on livelihood adaptation strategies to climate change and household resilience-building strategies for small rural islands. A survey using an interview schedule was conducted to determine the financial capital and livelihood adaptation strategies of 98 households on Mina-anod Island, Llorente, Eastern Samar, Philippines. Results showed four different small rural island livelihood adaptation strategies to enhance financial capacities, classified into expanded, productive savings, financial assistance, and collaborative. Results also showed that most islanders engage in nature-dependent livelihoods, such as fishing, vending, and tourism, indicating the importance of having multiple livelihood adaptation strategies and income streams, as both the island and the livelihood are vulnerable to climate change. Enhancing islanders’ capacity through education, entrepreneurial training, financial literacy, and skills development, among other initiatives, is crucial in building resilient livelihoods on the island. Moreover, government interventions, such as policies, programs, and projects that empower islanders and promote environmental conservation, in collaboration with other institutions and stakeholders, are crucial for enhancing the capacity of small rural islands to adapt to climate change and build island resilience.
climate change, financial capital, livelihood adaptation strategies, small rural island
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A Study on the Social Welfare Service Delivery System in South Korean Island Areas PDF 10.21463/jmic.2025.14.3.05AbstractKeywords
In this study, the researcher analyzed the social welfare service delivery system in South Korean island areas. A qualitative study method was used to explore the structure, practices, and processes of the island areas’ social welfare service delivery system. The study participants were six individuals, including social workers and public officials, engaged in Shinan County’s social welfare service delivery system. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth individual interviews, which were conducted over approximately two months, from February to March 2025. Each interview lasted between one and two hours. Efforts were made to ensure the credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability of the study findings, based on which the following recommendations are presented. Due to the characteristics of Shinan County, which is isolated from the rest of the country by sea, there are difficulties in distributing social welfare facilities and providing specialized services. To address these difficulties, base facilities should be established in different locations, mobile specialized services should be introduced, public–private cooperation should be strengthened, an integrated database should be constructed, and new volunteer services mainly provided by young and middle-aged adults should be activated.
Social Welfare Service Delivery System, Island Areas, Qualitative Analysis, Public–Private Cooperation, Integrated Database, Mobile Welfare Services
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Wild Edible Plants Diversity and Its Potential for Supporting Food Security in Lombok Island, Indonesia PDF 10.21463/jmic.2025.14.3.06AbstractKeywords
The increase in human population causes an increase in food needs, but this is not always balanced by sufficient food availability, thus creating a crucial problem in the form of food security. This study aims to determine the diversity of wild edible plants and their potential to support food security in Lombok Island. This research was conducted in rural areas of Central Lombok Regency, using exploratory methods and Interviews were conducted with local people who are of the Sasak tribe. Based on the research, there are 16 families, 26 genera, and 35 wild edible plant species. These plants are a source of macronutrients, so they play an important role in supporting food security. Based on the analysis, it is known that wild edible plants at the research location have high diversity (H' = 3.37).
Lesser Sunda Islands, Sasak Tribe, Wild Edible Plants
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Heritage in Harmony: Preserving Traditional Ecological Knowledge to Develop Sustainable Cultural Tourism in Borneo Island, Indonesia PDF 10.21463/jmic.2025.14.3.07AbstractKeywords
This study explores the preservation and integration of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) of the coastal communities in Kayong Utara, West Kalimantan, with a particular focus on the annual ritual of Nyapat Taon. Employing a qualitative-ethnographic method trough in-depth interviews, participant observation, focus group discussions (FGDs), and document analysis, the research involved; students, customary leaders, local communities, and stakeholders from the education and tourism sectors. The finding reveal that as both an agrarian and coastal tradition, Nyapat Taon embodies ecological wisdom, spiritual beliefs, and social values, yet its continuity is increasingly challenged by modernization and weakened intergeneration transmission. Digitalization and integration into school curricula strengthen cultural transmission, while Sustainable Cultural Tourism provide economic opportunities without compromising authenticity. Integration of TEK into Sustainable Cultural Tourism is best understood through the Quadruple Helix framework, which positions government, community, schools, and mass media as the main pillars of development tourism in Kayong Utara. With this model, TEK is mobilized not as a static heritage but as a dynamic cultural and ecological resource. Ultimately, the integration TEK into cultural heritage tourism strengthens socio-ecological resilience, enhances local identity, and fosters equitable economic opportunities.
Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Digitalization, Quadruple Helix, Nyapat Taon, Sustainable Cultural Tourism, Borneo Island
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Re-evaluating Island Sustainability: Navigating Tourism Pressures and Ecological Constraints in Archipelagic Development PDF 10.21463/jmic.2025.14.3.08AbstractKeywords
This study explores a reimagined approach to tourism development on small islands in Indonesia—specifically the Natuna Islands, Seribu Islands, Karimun Jawa Islands, and Gili Matra Islands—through an island-centric lens. Employing a mixed-methods approach that integrates both qualitative and quantitative analyses, the findings reveal that the traditional growth pole model often generates backwash effects, exacerbating the socioeconomic and environmental vulnerabilities of small island communities. The research identifies critical weaknesses in the regulatory framework governing tourism in these regions, including insufficient government oversight and a lack of locally tailored regulations. Despite these challenges, small island communities demonstrate strong social cohesion, characterized by close intrapersonal relationships and structured communication networks due to their relatively small populations. This cohesive social fabric empowers communities to resist development programs that are incongruent with their cultural and ecological contexts, as observed in Natuna. Similarly, communities in the Seribu Islands and Gili Matra have become increasingly critical of inequities in development outcomes, particularly with regard to access to resources and benefits from government- or foreign-led initiatives. The study emphasizes the necessity of recognizing the distinct characteristics of small island societies when planning and implementing development strategies. A stakeholder analysis further reveals that tourism managers often fall short in applying sustainable practices, while ecosystem managers remain marginalized with limited authority. These findings underscore the importance of an inclusive, context-sensitive, and environmentally responsible approach to tourism development in small island settings.
Tourism, sustainable development, island ecology, archipelagic, small island
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Deconstructing the Resort Development Cases through An Analytical Framework for Coastal Tourism PDF 10.21463/jmic.2025.14.3.09AbstractKeywords
There is a significant contribution that coastal tourism makes to the economy of the entire world, and resort development is a vital component of this tourism sector. This research conducts a global cross-case analysis of 24 coastal resort development projects, using qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) and typological analysis to identify configurations of conditions associated with successful and sustainable outcomes. The results indicate that effective coastal resort development depends on several elements, such as the availability of natural resources, sufficient infrastructure, a favorable regulatory framework, and the degree of community involvement. The results suggest that the development of a successful coastal resort relies on a number of factors, including access to natural resources, infrastructure, a conducive regulatory environment, and the extent to which the community is involved in the development project. The findings of this analysis highlight four unique development pathways—luxury tourism hubs, cultural and historical sites, environmental and eco-tourism sites, and economic regeneration projects—each of which is defined by specific combinations of natural resource, infrastructure, regulatory environment and community engagement. Furthermore, our research identifies four different types of coastal resort development: the luxury tourism centers, the cultural and historical sites, the environmental and eco-tourism spots, and the economic revitalization projects, which have particular characteristics and growth pathways. The study continues by analyzing the relevance of these results for politicians and developers involved in coastal tourism development, providing insights and recommendations specific to each type. The results show how these pathways involve various economic, social, and environmental trade-offs, and make typology-specific policy recommendations for planners and developers who aim to create more sustainable coastal tourism.
Coastal Tourism, Resort Development in Coastal Cities, Cross Case Study, QCA, Typology (Typological) Analysis
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Awareness and perceptions on riverine plastic pollution and waste disposal practices among the local communities along Pulot River and its tributary in Sofronio Española, Palawan Island, Philippines: Implications on sustainable waste management PDF 10.21463/jmic.2025.14.3.10AbstractKeywords
Riverine plastic pollution is a critical global concern, serving as the primary conduit for land-based plastic into marine environments and posing severe threats to ecosystems and human health. Effective mitigation strategies necessitate a deep understanding of local community awareness, perceptions, and waste management practices related to this pervasive, anthropogenically driven issue. This study assessed community awareness, perceptions, and waste-disposal behaviors regarding plastic pollution along the Pulot River and its tributaries in Palawan Island, Philippines. The findings reveal that while participants demonstrated a general awareness of pollution and perceived a moderate level of existing plastic pollution in the river, they concurrently anticipated significant increases in plastic litter on riverbanks and in water bodies over the next decade, following a notable rise in the past five years. Interestingly, despite identifying local residents as the primary source of pollution, respondents also reported high frequencies of environmentally friendly behaviors, such as recycling and waste segregation. This study highlights a significant disparity between community awareness, self-reported pro-environmental behaviors, and the perceived trend toward environmental improvement. The results highlight critical information gaps and behavioral nuances that policymakers and Local Government Units (LGUs) must address to develop targeted, effective mitigation strategies to reduce plastic pollution in the Pulot River.
plastic pollution, riverine systems, community awareness, waste disposal practices, environmental management, sustainability
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Abundance, Characterization, and Distribution of Marine Litter in Samar, Philippines: A Comparison Between Mainland and Island Beaches PDF 10.21463/jmic.2025.14.3.11AbstractKeywords
Marine litter is a growing global environmental issue that poses a significant threat to ecosystems, marine life, and human health. Although awareness of marine pollution has grown in the Philippines in recent years, knowledge of its impacts remains limited in some parts of the country. This study assesses the composition, sources, and clean-coast index (CCI) of marine litter on both mainland and island beaches in Samar. Marine litter was assessed by delineating a 100-meter transect and randomly selecting ten 2 m x 2 m quadrats for analysis. Results revealed higher litter densities on mainland beaches (1.14 items/m²) than on island beaches (1.00 items/m²), with plastics comprising 86% of the litter on mainland beaches and 60% on island beaches. Cleanliness ratings showed a wide range for mainland beaches, from clean to extremely dirty, while island beaches were rated as dirty to extremely dirty. The primary sources of litter were shoreline and recreational activities, contributing 75% of the total waste. These findings highlight differences in litter composition and density, underscoring the need for improved waste management, public education, and continuous monitoring. To effectively mitigate marine litter, coordinated efforts between communities and government agencies are crucial, with a focus on sustainable waste reduction.
beach litter, clean-coast index, island beaches, litter management, plastic pollution
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Spatial Dynamics of Mangrove Community Ecosystem in Muaragembong, Indonesia: Integrating Drone Data, NDVI, and Support Vector Machine (SVM) PDF 10.21463/jmic.2025.14.3.12AbstractKeywords
The mangrove forest in Muaragembong has experienced fluctuations in area over time, prompting this study to analyze the dynamics of mangrove community changes from 2019 to 2023. The study focuses on two main areas in Muaragembong: Muara Nawan and Muara Kuntul. The approach integrates remote sensing, including Planetscope satellite imagery and aerial photographs from DJI Phantom 3 Pro taken directly in 2019. The methodology combines remote sensing technology, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) analysis, Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithm, and drone validation. The classification results obtained two dominant mangrove genera: Avicennia sp. and Rhizophora sp.. Spectrally, Avicennia sp. reflects a greater amount of near-infrared than Rhizophora sp. with a difference range of 10–15%. Validation and accuracy assessment showed a high level of accuracy with an Overall Accuracy value of 89% and a Kappa Coefficient value of 0.83. There was an increase in Muara Nawan of 7.1 hectares, while Muara Kuntul experienced a reduction of 2 hectares. The changes in mangrove communities occur due to rehabilitation, land-use conversion, and local utilization of mangrove resources. Overall, this study shows the effectiveness of integrating the SVM algorithm, drone data, and NDVI analysis to monitor mangrove community dynamics over 5 years.
Aerial photogrammetry, Rehabilitation, Mangrove changes, NDVI analysis, Support Vector Machine
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Dynamics Above-Ground Carbon Stock Mangrove Ecosystems Based on Planetscope Imagery in Coastal Pakuhaji-Tangerang, Indonesia PDF 10.21463/jmic.2025.14.3.13AbstractKeywords
Mangrove ecosystems are essential in the environment to maintain the ecological function of an area. Tangerang Regency has substantial mangrove resource potential. Mangrove ecosystems on the coast of Pakuhaji-Tangerang, experienced a significant dynamic change in area in the period 2020 to 2025. The mangrove area was recorded at 235 hectares in 2020, increased to 343 hectares in 2022, then decreased to 296 hectares in 2025. In addition to its ecological function, the mangrove ecosystem in this region is also utilized as an eco-tourism area and a source of traditional medicine. Mangrove carbon stock estimation was conducted using a quadratic model approach based on NDVI values that were gradually converted into Above Ground Biomass (AGB), Above-Ground Carbon (AGC), and Accumulated Carbon Stock (ACS). The estimation model was developed through linear regression between field data and NDVI values and validated using Spearman correlation and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) tests. The analysis showed a Spearman correlation value of 0.67 and an RMSE of 34.77, indicating an acceptable level of model accuracy. This study shows that NDVI values from PlanetScope satellite imagery can be used as a representative indicator in detecting and spatially monitoring mangrove carbon stocks.
Above-Ground Carbon, Eco-tourism, Mangroves, NDVI, Pakuhaji, PlanetScope
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Tradition of Utilizing Dahon Plants in Supporting the Strengthening of Maritime Culture in Pangandaran, West Java, Indonesia PDF 10.21463/jmic.2025.14.3.14AbstractKeywords
The dahon or nipah plant, known as Nypa fruticans wurmb, which grows predominantly along riverbanks in Pangandaran, West Java, is an element of Indonesia's coastal biodiversity that provides numerous ecological and economic benefits to the community. However, many Pangandaran residents are unaware of these benefits, and the influx of newcomers has resulted in a shift from maritime to non-maritime cultural practices. This study focuses on how the people of Pangandaran have traditionally utilized the dahon plant. This study aims to strengthen maritime culture in Pangandaran. This research is also aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 15. A qualitative ethnographic research method was used, involving the collection, analysis, and mapping of various cultural elements related to the coastal community's traditional treatment of the dahon plant. Observations, recordings, and data sampling were conducted from June to September 2024 with 23 informants interviewed (14 men and 9 women). To sharpen the analysis, data collection was also carried out through Focus Group Discussions (FGD). The findings indicate that most of Pangandaran’s coastal residents of all ages (old, adult, and young) possess enough local knowledge to identify dahon plants serving as an alternative source of livelihood for the local community.
dahon, ecological function, economic function, maritime, tradition
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Home Garden Plant Diversity and Local Knowledge of Plant Species Supporting Biocultural Resilience in a Coastal Village of Northeastern Bali PDF 10.21463/jmic.2025.14.3.15AbstractKeywords
Home gardens in the coastal–island landscape of northeastern Bali play a vital role in sustaining local livelihoods, biodiversity, and traditional ecological knowledge. This study analyzed the diversity and cultural significance of home garden plants in Dukuh Village, a coastal community situated on the northeastern slope of Mount Agung, Bali. Field surveys and semi-structured interviews (n = 9) were conducted in three hamlets differing in elevation and proximity to the coast. A total of 115 plant species across 47 families were recorded, including many species with multiple livelihoods and ritual uses. Ritual plants such as Cocos nucifera (used for offerings and temple decorations), Cordyline fruticosa (used in purification rituals), and Plumeria sp. (used for daily offerings) demonstrate the integration of home gardens with Balinese Hindu practices. Multipurpose species such as Gliricidia sepium and Indigofera sp. are used for livestock forage during the dry season, supporting household resilience amid changing climate conditions. Home gardens thus complement coastal livelihoods, including cashew and lontar palm cultivation, as well as small-scale tourism, while reinforcing cultural identity through the use of traditional plants. Despite the small sample size, the findings highlight how home gardens function as socio-ecological systems that link biodiversity, livelihood security, and biocultural knowledge in island communities.
biocultural diversity, climate adaptation, coastal livelihoods, home gardens, Balinese Hindu rituals, traditional knowledge
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Knowledge Landscapes of the Journal of Marine and Island Cultures: Insights from Topic Modeling PDF 10.21463/jmic.2025.14.3.16AbstractKeywords
This study analyzes the research trends and knowledge structure of the Journal of Marine and Island Cultures (JMIC) from its inception in 2012 to 2024, based on a dataset of 266 published articles. Titles, abstracts, and keywords were integrated into a unified text field and processed using the Orange Data Mining platform. Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) was applied, with both Perplexity and Coherence metrics employed to determine the optimal number of topics. The results revealed six major thematic clusters: (1) marine heritage and ecological diversity, (2) tourism, sustainability, and pandemic impact, (3) governance of marine resources and resilience, (4) marine pollution and environmental crisis, (5) migration, gender, and coloniality, and (6) fisheries, livelihoods, and climate change. Temporal analysis indicated a clear evolution: the early phase (2012–2015) was dominated by heritage and tourism studies, the middle phase (2016–2019) by fisheries and governance, and the later phase (2020–2024) by research on environmental crises and the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings demonstrate that JMIC has not remained confined to a single disciplinary focus but has progressively evolved by incorporating global challenges and interdisciplinary academic discourse. The study contributes in three ways: it maps the interdisciplinary knowledge landscape of JMIC, identifies thematic shifts over time, and highlights the journal’s role as a bridge between cultural, ecological, social, and policy-oriented research. Ultimately, the results suggest that JMIC serves not only as a platform for documenting island and marine cultures but also as an academic hub linking global agendas and regional contexts, thereby enhancing international scholarly and policy dialogue.
Marine and Island Cultures, Journal of Marine and Island Cultures, Text-Mining, Topic Modeling, Research Trends
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AbstractKeywords
The seaside societies have always blessed the sea as a necessity of their socio-economic order and gave it a special value. They offered offerings to the gods with the rituals they tried to put forward theologically. When launching their vessels into the sea or when embarking on sea voyages, they have observed certain traditions based on their beliefs. Although these methods have varied over time, they share similar characteristics. The existence of sea gods and even monsters formed the main theme of their mythical narratives and turned into various heroic stories. While they thought that making offerings to the sea would please the sea gods, there has always been a feeling that they would be protected from bad disasters. The subject has been examined from a different perspective in order to increase the importance given to island culture and maritime affairs. The research has focused on the sacred beliefs of sailors. It has been prepared through a literature review within the scope of qualitative research methods. The work in Denmark was carried out with a grant received under the The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK) 2219-International Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Programme for Turkish Citizens.
Culture, Tradition, Myth, Ritual, Maritime