The Public Perception of the Existence of Coal Mines in South Kalimantan Province, Indonesia

Background and Objectives: The coal mining business is a source of foreign exchange for the country, but it is also thought to have a negative impact on the environment, therefore its continued existence can lead to a variety of public perceptions, both positive and negative. The purpose of this study is to ascertain public perceptions of the coal mining industry's existence and operational implications. Methods: The survey approach was used in this study to obtain information from respondents. Questions were posed using interviews, questionnaires, and secondary data. Results: The community leadership structure in the study area is that 35 respondents (48%) follow non-formal leadership, while 38 respondents (52%) follow formal leadership. Most community conflicts are usually triggered by land boundary disputes (38%), and complaints are not responded to (38%), and are resolved by consensus deliberation. Community responses to the impact of coal transportation are health problems (52%), the impact of the presence of coal mines is an increase in the economy (54%), disruption to public roads (66%), noise (66%), and air quality (72%). Coal hauling activities also have an impact on improving business prospects, namely 10% of respondents stated significant (high), 66% moderate, and 24% none. while for the criteria for increasing income, 16% of respondents stated an increase of 62%, a small increase, and 22% did not report. The environmental disturbance parameter stated that 60% of respondents felt disturbed and 40% did not. Environmental management activities on the impact of coal mining operations are 20% of respondents stating good, 34% abstaining and 22% not good. Conclusion: Community development and empowerment programs around the mine site must be implemented properly, and mine exploration permit holders must strictly adhere to the environmental impact analysis document and environmental management monitoring plan approved by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry.