Dynamics of an Overexploited Territory

Bangka Island's tin mining, while economically crucial, presents complex challenges. Dredging, used for 90% of Indonesia's tin production, devastates reefs and fishing, impacting local communities. The allure of higher earnings lures fishermen into dangerous, illegal offshore mining, resulting in fatalities and earning tin the nickname "death metal." This disrupts the island's ecological balance and pits mining against piscatorial fishing livelihoods. This thesis explores the intricate relationship between unauthorized maritime mining and subsistence fishing in this fraught environment.

The proposal investigates the precarious livelihoods of artisanal fishermen who, compelled by economic necessity, engage in both fishing and illicit tin mining, two fundamentally conflicting industries. Seeking to foster a sustainable coexistence, the proposal articulates a master plan predicated on the cyclical monsoon patterns and their influence on maritime activities. This plan establishes three spiritually symbolic spatial interventions, each addressing a distinct scale of impact: the terrestrial domain of the fishing community, the contested waters where fishing and mining overlap, and the commercial sphere represented by the market. Smoke House of Production - Located on land is a communal space for women. Salvaged wood from damaged fishing structures is dried and stored, then used to fuel fish smoking during the monsoon. The space also hosts the annual festive celebrations and rituals at the Sea Goddess altar, fostering community and spiritual connection. Sentinel Scaffold - Serves as both a fishing structure and a seasonal shrine. It attracts fish, supports fishing activities, and transforms into a territorial marker for non-mining activities during the monsoon. Fishermen later retrieve materials from the partially collapsed structure for repair and reuse, demonstrating resourceful resilience. Temple of Trade - Introduces a new economic model. It empowers fishermen by facilitating direct international fish exports, utilizing existing tin trade routes. A state-of-the-art offshore smelter symbolizes Indonesia's commitment to trade and technology. The market disperses before the monsoon to protect the pontoons and is rebuilt afterward, centered around the enduring Temple of Trade. This integrated approach aims to balance economic needs and community well-being.