Revisiting the mining controversy of Bangka Island, Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract

Bangka Island in North Sulawesi is home to several endemic and endangered terrestrial and marine wildlife and at the same time a well-known tourist destination is facing a serious threat to irreversible environmental destruction due to mining activities. Although finally ordered closure by Indonesian Supreme Court, the initial mining activities have greatly impacted the highly critical environment of Bangka Island. The authors examined the documents (including government-issued permits as well as related laws and regulations) and interviewed key respondents as to their knowledge of the supposed mining activity and their perceived impacts. Results revealed that there were lapses in the Indonesian government’s side in issuing permits. The respondents (N=35) are fully aware of the said mining activity and its potential impact on the livelihoods (mainly fishing and tourism) that highly depend the to the fragile island ecosystem of Bangka Island.