Social capital and ecological transformation in post-mining land restoration in Indonesia.

Abstract

Mining has significantly degraded environment in Indonesia's tin-producing regions such as Bangka Belitung. While restoration is vital for ecological and economic recovery, current efforts often overlook social capital in ensuring long-term sustainability. This study examines how bonding, bridging, and linking social capital contribute to post-mining land restoration, based on a qualitative case in Jelutung Village. Findings reveal that social networks strengthen community resilience, enable external collaboration, and support institutional engagement, accelerating the transition from mining to sustainable agriculture. A key outcome is approximately 8 hectares of degraded land were converted into productive rice fields through farmer group efforts and stakeholder partnerships. However, challenges remain, including land tenure insecurity, economic dependence on mining, and weak policy enforcement. This study highlights the need for to integrate social capital with technical restoration measures to achieve sustainable land rehabilitation. Policy recommendations include supporting community-led restoration, building cross-sector networks, and promoting governance. Future research examine similar cases to refine this model across diverse post-mining landscapes.