Navigating urban informality: Fatalism, agency, and governance dynamics in Banjarmasin's inland waterway transport sector

Abstract

This study explores the interplay of urban informality, fatalism, and governance within Banjarmasin's Inland Waterway Transport (IWT) sector in Indonesia. It reinterprets fatalism, commonly viewed as passive acceptance, as a form of resilience that enables kelotok drivers to navigate economic uncertainties. Using qualitative interviews and field observations, and set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, this research uncovers how fatalistic beliefs rooted in Islamic values guide drivers in confronting socio-economic adversity with both acceptance and agency. Fatalism shapes the drivers’ adaptation strategies to declining ridership and limited formal employment opportunities, offering a psychological and cultural framework for resilience. The study also highlights informal governance mechanisms, such as community solidarity and self-regulation, which help drivers negotiate their position in the informal economy despite the absence of formal support. By unpacking the intersections between cultural beliefs, economic challenges, and governance structures, this research provides a deeper understanding of urban informality. It calls for governance approaches that are more culturally sensitive and responsive to the realities of informal workers, contributing to discussions on urban informality, governance, and worker resilience in evolving urban environments.