Is Politics Sacrificing Small Island Agriculture? The Hidden Cost of Local Elections in Maluku

Regional elections in Indonesia, including in Maluku, often become intense political battlegrounds. During each election, the issues raised by regional leadership candidates often reflect short-term political interests, sometimes neglecting the overall needs of the community. One sector that often receives inadequate attention is agriculture on small islands. This sector is the backbone of the local economy, particularly for communities living on these islands. This article will explore how local political dynamics, particularly in the context of regional elections, influence budget allocation and development policies, and how this impacts the agricultural sector on small islands. 

Maluku is an archipelagic province consisting of thousands of small islands with a dispersed population. Since colonial times, Maluku has been known as a producer of spices that attracted colonizers. The Maluku Islands, located in Indonesia, have a rich historical and geographical significance that has shaped their cultural and ecological landscape. Historically, Maluku is known as the "Spice Islands," a term that reflects its historical role in the global spice trade, particularly during the 15th to 17th centuries when European powers sought control over the lucrative spice trade routes. 

This period saw the arrival of the Portuguese and later the Dutch, leading to significant socio-political changes and conflicts in the region. However, after independence, development in Maluku tended to be concentrated in a few major cities like Ambon, while small islands were often neglected. This has led to significant disparities in development between urban and rural areas, especially in the agricultural sector.

During regional elections, candidates often focus on popular issues that have political appeal, such as urban infrastructure, tourism, and projects that can be easily seen and evaluated by the public. Agriculture, especially in remote small islands, rarely becomes a top priority. 

In many regions, including Maluku, the allocation of government budgets often reflects the political motivations of regional leaders. Urban infrastructure projects, such as the construction of highways, bridges, airports, or government buildings, are frequently prioritized over rural or agricultural development, particularly on small islands. This tendency stems from the perception that urban infrastructure projects offer greater political returns, as they are highly visible, easy to quantify, and provide immediate, tangible benefits that can be showcased to voters.

Urban infrastructure projects are attractive to regional leaders for several reasons:

Visibility and Tangibility: Projects like highways or bridges in urban areas are highly visible to the public and can be quickly recognized as achievements of the current administration. These projects often serve as "monuments" to a leader's tenure, easily remembered by voters when elections come around.

Measurable Success: Unlike long-term agricultural development, which may take years to bear fruit, urban infrastructure projects have clear timelines and measurable outputs, such as kilometers of road built or the number of new buildings constructed. This makes it easier for politicians to demonstrate success within their term.

Immediate Economic Impact: Urban infrastructure can stimulate economic activity in cities, leading to short-term job creation and increased business opportunities. These immediate impacts can boost a leader's popularity, especially in the lead-up to elections.

In contrast, rural and agricultural infrastructure, particularly in remote areas like small islands, often receives less attention. This is problematic because, for many small island communities, agriculture is the backbone of the local economy, and proper infrastructure is crucial for the distribution of agricultural products.