THE conflict over the extraction of sand around Kodingareng Lompo Island, South Sulawesi, illustrates a classic development problem that often sidelines the poorest in our society. The local government has failed to defend the interests of the fishermen who for decades have earned a living from the area.

The large-scale extraction of sand has disrupted the livelihoods of hundreds of fishermen around the islands and coastline of Makassar. It has