Potential Social Conflict in Coal Mining Areas and Alternative Solutions in Indragiri Hulu Regency, Riau Province
Authors: Pambudi Priyaji Agung , Utomo Suyud Warno , Soelarno Soemarno Witoro , Takarina Noverita Dian 
Published: January 2024

Keberadaan perusahaan tambang di suatu kawasan memiliki dampak positif bagi pembangunan daerah, peningkatan lapangan pekerjaan, dan pertumbuhan ekonomi. Namun, keberadaan perusahaan tambang juga berisiko menimbulkan dampak negatif penurunan kualitas lingkungan dan konflik sosial. Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis potensi konflik sosial di kawasan tambang batu bara dan alternatif solusinya. Penelitian ini dilakukan di Indragiri Hulu, Riau menggunakan metode gabungan melalui pemberian kuesioner, wawancara mendalam, observasi fisik, dan diperkaya dengan literatur reviu. Ditemukan pemicu konflik sosial berupa isu kepemilikan lahan, perizinan dan pembebasan lahan, serta isu penggunaan fasilitas umum. Sebagai upaya penguatan kapasitas sumber daya manusia (SDM) perusahaan tambang telah memberikan program pemberdayaan masyarakat dalam bentuk beasiswa pendidikan tinggi. Peningkatan kapasitas SDM penting untuk menopang pertumbuhan wilayah dan meningkatkan daya saing melalui kegiatan produktif yang bermanfaat bagi peningkatan ekonomi guna mendorong terwujudnya ketahanan sosial dan ekonomi masyarakat lokal. Hal ini penting agar tidak banyak masyarakat yang menganggur dan mengganggu stabilitas perusahaan melalui gesekan-gesekan isu konflik lahan, konflik sosial, dan sejenisnya. Sebagai solusi diperlukan intervensi program pemberdayaan masyarakat dalam aspek pendidikan dan kegiatan produktif yang dilakukan secara optimal guna meningkatkan rasa kepemilikan masyarakat pada perusahaan. Melalui hal tersebut keberlanjutan operasional lebih mudah dicapai karena manfaat positif sosial, ekonomi, dan lingkungan dijaga secara kolaboratif. Peran komisi VII DPR RI dan Kementerian ESDM sangat besar untuk menyukseskan tujuan tersebut.Abstract: The presence of a mining company in a region positively impacts regional development by increasing employment and economic growth opportunities. On the other hand, mining companies run the risk of causing environmental deterioration and social conflict. The purpose of this study was to analyze potential societal conflicts in coal mining areas as well as alternative solutions. This study was carried out in Indragiri Hulu, Riau, utilizing a combination of surveys, in-depth interviews, physical observations, and review literature. It was discovered that issues of property ownership, permits, and land acquisition, as well as issues of usage of public facilities, were the triggers for social conflict. Mining companies have offered community empowerment programs through higher education scholarships to develop human resources (HR) capacity. It is critical to build human resource capacity to support regional growth and competitiveness through productive activities that are advantageous to economic development to facilitate the achievement of social and economic resilience in local communities. This is crucial so that only a few people lose their jobs and undermine the company's stability due to friction over land conflicts and social issues. As a solution, a community empowerment program intervention in the areas of education and productive activities that are carried out ideally is required to strengthen the community's sense of ownership in the company. This makes operational sustainability more accessible because positive social, economic, and environmental benefits are maintained collaboratively. The role of Commission VII DPR RI and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is vast in making this goal successful.