Kasta: Jurnal Ilmu Sosial, Agama, Budaya dan Terapan
Vol. 6 No. 2 (2026): June

Socio-Economic Transformation and Erosion of Cultural Identity in The Morowali Nickel Industry Area: A Case Study of The Bungku-Bahodopi Community, Central Sulawesi

Helmina Kastanya (National Research and Innovation Agency)
Abd. Azis (Alkhairaat University Palu)
Titih Nursugiharti (National Research and Innovation Agency)
Erniati (National Research and Innovation Agency)
Erwin Syahputra Kembaren (National Research and Innovation Agency)
Janeke Peggy Slippy (National Research and Innovation Agency)
Maria Christina Anandya Prijandoko (University of Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
17 Jun 2026

Abstract

The massive expansion of the nickel industry in Morowali Regency, Central Sulawesi, has triggered profound socio-economic and socio-cultural transformations among the Bungku indigenous community in Bahodopi District. Using qualitative ethnographic approaches, historical analysis, and document review , this research examines how extractive industrialization systematically reconfigures traditional livelihoods, disrupts ecological governance, threatens the Bungku language, and erodes intangible cultural heritage. The findings reveal a development paradox: while macroeconomic indicators show significant growth through the presence of the Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP) with a total investment of over USD 34.3 billion, the indigenous community experiences simultaneous marginalization through the eviction of living space, alienation of livelihoods, extinction of language, and erosion of rituals. This transformation shifts the community from a self-sufficient maritime-agrarian economy based on local ecological wisdom to an industrial periphery dependent on a wage system. This article argues that sustainable industrial development requires culturally sensitive policies, cultural heritage buffer zones, linguistic revitalization programs, and genuine Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) mechanisms to prevent irreversible cultural loss.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

kasta

Publisher

Subject

Education

Description

KASTA adalah Jurnal Ilmu Sosial, Agama, Budaya dan Terapan dibawah lembaga Bale Literasi . Jurnal ini terbit tiga kali setahun, yaitu bulan April,Agustus dan Desember, ini memuat tentang ilmu-ilmu sosial, keagamaan, baik dalam pemikiran Islam,dan kajian Islam lainnya, kajian tetang budaya serta ilmu ...