Sustainable Rural Development

KOMPAS/REGINA RUKMORINI

Posters containing the words of resistance from Wadas Village residents are still widely installed on the side of the road along Wadas Village, as seen, Monday (14/2/2022).

The villages of Wadas in Purworejo regency, Central Java, and Batu Kerbau in Bungo regency, Jambi have drawn my attention lately. The two villages have tested policymakers’ commitment to correctly implementing the concept of sustainable development.

Like in other regions, recent events that occurred in the two villages also concerned the same economic sector: mining. This sector often hampers the implementation of sustainable development.

Since it was introduced by the Brundtland Commission in 1987, sustainable development has become a mantra among policy- and decision-makers. Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of today without compromising the capacity of future generations to meet their own needs (Brundtland Commission, Our Common Future, 1987).

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Sustainable development has three pillars: economic development (meeting current needs), environmental sustainability (meeting the needs of future generations), and social justice (generational and cross-generational).

Sustainable development is expected to provide economic prosperity, ensure ecological sustainability, and promote social justice for both current and future generations.

Activities that aim to improve economic welfare are needed to encourage efforts to conserve nature as well as improve income distribution.

As a concept, sustainable development promises a win-win situation for those promoting economic growth and those promoting environmental sustainability and social justice. Activities that aim to improve economic welfare are needed to encourage efforts to conserve nature as well as improve income distribution.

The double dividends from efforts to improve economic welfare and environmental sustainability can be gained from several sectors, one of which is ecotourism. Logically, nature and a sustainable environment are important assets for promoting ecotourism. Maintaining the sustainability and beauty of nature also means maintaining this as an asset to sustain businesses.

In some cases, organic farming also promises double dividends. Organic rice fields have higher productivity than conventional rice fields. Organic rice is also more expensive than the price of rice grown using nonorganic methods.

IRMA TAMBUNAN

Construction of a haul road for coal mining products in Koto Boyo, Batin XXIV District, Batanghari, Jambi, Monday (18/10/2021).

However, not all economic sectors are as "fortunate" as ecotourism and organic agriculture. Mining is one of these unlucky sectors.

Wadas and Batu Kerbau

The Bener Dam development plan has its pros and cons, because it also comes with a plan to open an andesite mine in Wadas village to provide the stone needed to construct the dam. The plan’s supporters argue that the dam is needed to secure a clean water supply, not just for Wadas village, but also for the wider downstream area.

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Meanwhile, those against the plan argue that opening an andesite mine could potentially harm the environment around Wadas village. The risks of environmental damage include loss of the natural landscape by developing a 145-hectare open-pit mine and creating potential for landslides. In addition, 28 natural springs would be lost, which could lead to drought and the loss of agriculture, the villagers’ main source of livelihood.

Heavy metal pollution has led to the disappearance of several ponds where the villagers had sustainably managed the village’s fish resource.

The story of Batu Kerbau village is a little bit different. Illegal mining activities (PETI) in the upper Batang Pelepat River were discovered several years ago. Heavy metal pollution has led to the disappearance of several ponds where the villagers had sustainably managed the village’s fish resource.

Twenty years ago when I visited Batu Kerbau, the situation was quite different. Some villagers relied on illegal logging for their livelihood. For the residents of this remote village, they received less income as rubber farmers than they earned as illegal loggers, their activities often backed by “big bosses” (corporations).

Back to the 'straight path’

Wadas and Batu Kerbau are two examples of how difficult it is to apply the concept of sustainable development. It is certain that open-pit mining will change the natural landscape. Traditional gold mining activities in Batu Karbau only add to the problem, as they cause mercury pollution in the local environment.

Closing the illegal gold mine in Batu Kerbau will cause social turmoil. Canceling the Bener Dam project near Wadas village will affect other development projects. To reduce tensions, all relevant parties and stakeholders, including regional planning and environmental experts, must sit down together to solve the problem. The dialogue should refer to the concept of sustainable development.

In the case of Batu Kerbau, in addition to resolving heavy metal pollution, talks should seek an alternative to traditional gold mining that is more environmentally friendly. Apart from environmental issues, it is also necessary to ensure that the villagers enjoy the benefits of the mining activities. Surveys conducted 20 years ago indicate that the villagers who were involved in illegal logging became extremely dependent on their so-called big bosses because they were indebted to them.

This is a good example that other officials should follow to accommodate all interests in a more balanced way: the economy, the environment, and social justice.

In the case of Wadas village, there needs to be an open discussion that is held in the spirit of equality. Will this be difficult? Sure, but it is not impossible. I appreciate the effort made by the Central Java governor to meet with the residents of Wadas village in person. This is a good example that other officials should follow to accommodate all interests in a more balanced way: the economy, the environment, and social justice.

March is not only synonymous with Earth Hour. At least three other important days related to nature conservation fall during this month: World Wildlife Day, the International Day of Forests, and World Water Day.

It is hoped that these commemorative days will remind all parties to reassume their commitment to implementing sustainable development in all regions in Indonesia, including rural areas.

FE UNPAR

Siwi Nugraheni

SIWI NUGRAHENI, is an economics lecturer at Parahyangan Catholic University in Bandung, Central Java.

(This article was translated by Hendarsyah Tarmizi).