Socioeconomic Impact of Sea Transportation Route Optimization on Indonesian Coastal Communities

Abstract

Sea transportation route optimization in archipelagic developing nations carries profound socioeconomic implications that extend far beyond operational efficiency gains, directly shaping the livelihoods, food security, and bioresource market access of coastal communities dependent on inter-island connectivity. In Indonesia, where domestic sea transportation constitutes the primary logistical spine of economic integration across more than 17,000 islands, route inefficiencies systematically inflate commodity prices, restrict bioresource market access, and perpetuate structural inequality between Java-centric economic corridors and outer island communities. This study investigates the socioeconomic impacts of sea transportation route optimization on Indonesian coastal communities, with particular attention to bioresource supply chain transformation, commodity price dynamics, and community welfare outcomes. Employing a mixed-methods design involving 105 participants drawn from coastal fishing communities, local government transportation agencies, shipping operators, and regional economic planners, data were gathered through household economic surveys, semi-structured interviews, and comparative route performance analysis. Results were analyzed through thematic analysis, cross-group comparison, and narrative synthesis. Findings reveal that route optimization produces measurable reductions in commodity price volatility, significant improvements in bioresource market access frequency, and meaningful household income gains among fishing and aquaculture communities on optimized corridors. The study proposes a Coastal Bioresource Connectivity (CBC) impact framework, contributing empirically grounded evidence for equitable sea transportation investment prioritization and regional development policy in Indonesia's archipelagic economic transformation agenda.