Energy Transition and Social Issues in Mining-Adjacent Areas: A Sociological Study of Development in Central Halmahera, Indonesia

Abstract

The shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy is frequently viewed as a progression towards sustainability. However, in mining-proximate regions like Central Halmahera, this process engenders intricate socioeconomic challenges. This study examines the effects of the energy shift on local populations, emphasizing power dynamics, legislation, and the socio-ecological ramifications of nickel mining businesses. This research uses a development sociology framework to examine how the exploitation of resources for global green energy can intensify social inequities and marginalize indigenous populations and disadvantaged groups. The study utilizes a qualitative methodology involving case studies from various communities adjacent to mining activities, specifically Lelilef, Gemaf, and Sagea. Active observation, comprehensive interviews, and examination of policy papers and scholarly reports gathered data. The findings demonstrate that the mining industry has caused substantial alterations in the socioeconomic framework of local populations, encompassing changes in livelihoods, heightened labor migration, and the onset of social disputes over resource rivalry. Ecological consequences, including deforestation and water contamination, have exacerbated the living conditions of local inhabitants. This study emphasizes the disparity between the global green energy initiative and the socio-ecological conditions at the local level. The energy shift propelled by extractive industries in Central Halmahera does not help local communities; instead, it intensifies economic reliance on international businesses and amplifies social disparities. Consequently, it is imperative to implement more inclusive policies that address the requirements of local communities to guarantee a just and sustainable energy transition.