Uncertain futures of the underground in the ruins of a Borneo coal mine

Report from Fahmi Rizki Fahroji, Autumn 2022 Award Recipient

Fahmi’s research investigates the future of coal mining in Southeast Asia as the world shifts away from fossil fuels. He explores the overlooked post-mining landscape, particularly in South Borneo, Indonesia, where massive extractive operations have left contested ruins underground.

Through ethnographic work, Fahmi delves into how geological and political forces intersect to shape the region’s future. He reveals that the imaginations of local communities, including the Banjarese, Dayaks, and Javanese transmigrants, are diverse and uncertain in the shadow of the underground’s ruins. The underground serves multiple intricate roles, from coke producer and employer, to regional income provider, religious sponsor, and land grabber. This research provides valuable insights into the complex interplay of geological, political, and cultural factors in the context of transitioning away from fossil fuels. It sheds light on the intricate relationships between indigenous communities, miners, and stakeholders and the evolving landscapes in Southeast Asia.

Fahmi Rizki Fahroji is a human geographer in training with a focus on ethnography, ecology, politics, and development studies. This research project formed part of Fahmi’s MRes in Human Geography: Spaces, Politics, Ecologies (2022/23) at the University of Glasgow. Beyond academia, Fahmi works closely with grassroots communities, NGOs/think-tank organisations, and multi-stakeholder actors, engaging with policy making and project implementation.