The History of Farmer Resistance toward the New Yogyakarta International Airport Construction in Kulon Progo Regency: A Social Movement Study

Abstract

The aim of this study is to reconstruct history of the resistance movement toward the New Yogyakarta International Airport project in Kulon Progo Regency, Yogyakarta Special Region. It was motivated by the brave of people from lower class against interests of the highest class in the region. In this study, the movement was placed as a social movement. The research method used in this study was the historical methods, including the collecting data, sources criticism, selection, analysis, and interpretation as well as writing. The data collection resources were done through interviews and documentary studies. In-depth interviews were conducted on the leaders involved in the social movement. Documentary studies are intended to assess the background and the occurrence of the denial movement. Results show that the Wahana Tri Tunggal (WTT) which resisting the airport construction in Temon District initially shown as a very powerful mass organization. However, pressure from various parties and the limited ability of its leaders, made the WTT gradually decline, both in terms number of members and its bargaining power to the government.