Lessons from Resettlement Caused by Large Dam Projects: Case Studies from Japan, Indonesia and Sri Lanka

Abstract

This paper examines six case studies of resettlement of villagers covering seven dams, namely the Ikawa Dam, Jintsu Dams and Miyagase Dam in Japan, the Koto Panjang Dam and Bili-Bili Dam in Indonesia, and a final comparative study of the Saguling Dam in Indonesia and the Kotmale Dam in Sri Lanka. The studies underline the need for adequate institutional arrangements that incorporate medium- and long-term perspectives on resettlers' livelihoods, and for the long-term commitment of governments or developers to ensure livelihood restoration. The establishment of a development agency as the authority for regional development in resettlement areas is another approach for dealing with institutional and implementation problems. Finally, the factor of resettlers' emotions must also be considered.