Mercury Problems In Gold Mining In Indonesia: Political Ecology Review

Abstract

In Indonesia, the phenomenon of gold processing using mercury is a complex phenomenon. This phenomenon links inter-sectoral relationships (environmental, social, economic, and even legal) as well as inter-stakeholder linkages (government institutions, non-governmental institutions and the people). In an effort to overcome this phenomenon and achieve Mercury-free Indonesia, the Government of Indonesia has issued PERPRES NO 21 of 2019 concerning the National Action Plan for Mercury Reduction and Elimination (RAN-PPM). In the field of Small-Scale Gold Mining (PESK), it is targeted to eliminate 100% of mercury by the end of 2025. This study uses an evaluative qualitative approach using primary data obtained through Focus Group Discussions (FGD) and in-depth interviews from relevant stakeholders and then processed. using the MICMAC analysis tool, then analyzed by perception analysis. This study examines why the existence of mercury in Indonesia, especially in the gold mining sector, is still high. Furthermore, this research can gradually identify factors and even key actors in the problem of eradicating mercury in Indonesia. The results showed that of the 5 (five) existing factors, namely: law enforcement, interest relations, structural, social (perception), and economic. The relationship between one factor and another all has a close relationship and is united in a frame called political ecology. The political ecology narrative carried in this study states that the impact of local business on the environment is greater than that of universal business because the nature of this local business is often more difficult to classify and interpret.