Indonesia's Riau Islands: A Tale of Mining's Devastating Impact
The once lush landscapes of Indonesia's Riau Islands have been scarred by mining activities, and the latest viral images on social media have once again brought attention to this environmental crisis. Propos Island, a small island in Ngal Village, Ungar District, Karimun Regency, has become a stark reminder of the consequences of mining.
The Satellite View
Google Earth satellite imagery reveals a haunting scene. The island, once covered in trees, now appears barren, with only a few scattered trees along its edges. The interior is a desolate expanse of exposed land, a stark contrast to its former lush state. Water-filled pits, remnants of excavation, mar the landscape, serving as a grim reminder of the island's mining past.
Mining's Legacy
The Riau Islands Energy and Mineral Resources Agency (ESDM) confirms that Propos Island was previously used for bauxite mining. The mining permit, issued by the Karimun regency government in 2010, highlights the regulatory framework surrounding these activities. However, the permit expired when mining authority was transferred to the provincial government in 2016, according to Reza Muzzamil Jufri, a policy analyst at the provincial ESDM office.
The Shift in Authority
Under Law No. 3 of 2020, mineral and coal mining authority shifted entirely to Indonesia's central government. Since December 11, 2020, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has been responsible for mining management. Regional governments now oversee only non-metallic minerals and certain types of rock mining, as per Presidential Regulation No. 55 of 2022.
Two Mining Firms and Their Permits
Two companies, PT Bukit Merah Indah and PT Aneka Alam Anugerah, held bauxite mining concessions on Propos Island. PT Bukit Merah Indah received a Mining Business License (IUP) from the Karimun regent in 2010, covering 88 hectares. PT Aneka Alam Anugerah was granted an Operation Production Mining License (IUP OP) in 2010, covering 50 hectares.
The Lack of Post-Mining Reclamation
Reza notes that the provincial ESDM office lacks records detailing the exact duration of mining operations, as authority rested with the regency government. Since the shift in authority in 2016, no reports of post-mining reclamation have been submitted by either company, until the provincial authority ended in December 2020. This responsibility now lies with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.
The Impact on Kas Island
The damage is not limited to Propos Island. Nearby Kas Island has also suffered heavily from bauxite mining, with nearly 90% of its land transformed into barren terrain. PT Bukit Merah Indah held a bauxite mining permit on Kas Island, initially issued in 2007 and extended in 2009, covering 175 hectares.
Regulatory Violations and Environmental Concerns
Alfarhat Kasman, a Mining Advocacy Network (Jatam) campaigner, emphasizes that Indonesian regulations prohibit mining activities on small islands, regardless of the issuing government. He highlights the lack of post-mining reclamation and the companies' failure to provide financial guarantees, which should now be traceable. Alfarhat stresses that environmental damage on small islands has far-reaching consequences, affecting ecosystems and increasing disaster risks on larger islands.
Local Residents' Plight
Ngal Village Head Yusril describes the visible barrenness of Propos Island. Before mining, residents cultivated rubber trees for their livelihoods. Now, the land is barren, and the loss of tree cover has drastically changed the landscape. Residents have also complained about the mining company's failure to return their original land ownership certificates, preventing them from using their land.
The Ongoing Fight for Justice
Tempo continues to contact the companies involved, but a field officer has not responded to confirmation requests. The story of Propos Island serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for environmental protection and accountability in Indonesia's mining sector.
