Coal Mine Expansion Plan in South Kalimantan Sparks Controversy
Banjarmasin, December 25, 2024 – The massive expansion of coal mines in South Kalimantan has once again attracted public attention. This project involves several large mining companies that plan to open up thousands of hectares of new land to increase coal production, in order to meet the increasing demand for exports. However, this plan has also drawn sharp criticism from various parties regarding its impact on the environment, public health, and long-term economic sustainability.
Economic Potential and Export Targets
According to a statement from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), this mining expansion project is expected to increase the country’s foreign exchange by trillions of rupiah each year. Global coal demand, especially from countries such as India, China, and Japan, continues to increase along with soaring energy needs. “South Kalimantan has very large coal reserves. This expansion is a strategic step to optimize this potential,” said the Director General of Minerals and Coal in a press conference, Monday (12/24).
In addition, the mining company is committed to creating new jobs for the local community. “We will prioritize workers from around the mining area. In addition, we have also prepared a training program to improve their skills so they can work in the mining sector professionally,” said a spokesman for PT Energi Jaya Nusantara, one of the companies involved in the project.
Environmental Impact and Social Life
On the other hand, environmental groups stated that the mining expansion will have significant negative impacts. Tropical forests in South Kalimantan, which are the habitat of various rare flora and fauna, are threatened with extinction due to land conversion into mining. In addition, mining activities have the potential to pollute clean water sources, damage air quality, and increase the risk of flooding.
“South Kalimantan is already facing a serious environmental crisis. The addition of new mines will only worsen this situation. We urge the government to re-evaluate this project and prioritize environmental sustainability,” said Bambang Setiawan, Executive Director of the Environmental NGO Bumi Lestari.
Communities living around the mining area also complained about the negative impacts they have felt from existing mining activities. “Dust from the mine makes it difficult for us to breathe. Our rice fields are no longer productive because the soil is polluted. We are worried that this expansion will further destroy our lives,” said Yuniarti, a resident of Barito Hulu Village.
Government Asked to be Transparent
A number of community leaders and academics have urged the government to be more transparent in the mining licensing process. They have also asked for an in-depth study of the Environmental Impact Analysis (AMDAL) and community involvement in decision-making.
“A project of this magnitude should not only consider short-term economic benefits. The government must ensure that this decision does not harm the community and the environment in the long term,” said Dr. Retno Puspitasari, an environmental expert from Lambung Mangkurat University.
In addition, several members of the South Kalimantan DPRD also expressed their concerns. They asked the central government to listen to the aspirations of the local community before granting an expansion permit. “South Kalimantan has been the backbone of national energy for quite some time, but its impact on the welfare of local communities is still minimal. We hope that this project will not only benefit mining companies,” said Ahmad Rusdi, a member of the DPRD.
The Way Forward
Until now, the coal mining expansion project in South Kalimantan is still in the planning stage and has not received final permission from the central government. However, pressure from various parties continues to increase, both from supporters and opponents of this project.
Environmental groups and indigenous peoples are planning to hold protests in the near future, while the mining company said it is ready to engage in dialogue with all parties to find the best solution. “We are committed to complying with all regulations and ensuring that this project benefits all parties,” said a representative of PT Energi Jaya Nusantara.
The debate over coal mining in South Kalimantan reflects the dilemma facing many resource-producing regions in Indonesia. On the one hand, there is the need to boost economic growth, while on the other, environmental sustainability and people’s lives are at stake. The final decision on the expansion will be a major test for the government in balancing the two.