CHAIRMAN of the Indonesian Melanesian Scholars Forum (Forkamsi) Albert Hama reminded the central government, especially President Joko Widodo, not to be lulled by the massive mining in the North Maluku region, whose presence at first glance dazzles the eye because it contributes significantly to economic growth in the region.
He believes that massive mining activities pose very fundamental problems that must be responded to immediately. Among other things, the gap is increasingly extraordinary because poverty is actually increasing. The West Halmahera Regency DPRD member admitted; Like a double-edged sword, mining in North Maluku now holds a time bomb of humanitarian disaster which could explode at any time.
“What is happening in the region at the moment is the fact that people’s poverty is increasing, purchasing power is decreasing, prices tend to rise due to industry but it is not supported by an increase in income, especially in supporting sectors such as agriculture and maritime affairs,” said Albert to journalists in Jakarta, Monday ( 1/4).
According to Albert, this must be voiced because it concerns the future fate of the people of North Maluku.
“I am very worried, our fate, the people of North Maluku, is becoming increasingly bleak because of poverty. We convey this so that there can be immediate intervention. Don’t be dazzled by developments but neglect the most elementary things regarding the welfare of the people. Then who are the mines in North Maluku really for if the people in North Maluku “In fact, we are getting poorer? What an irony is the current situation in North Maluku,” continued Albert.
He added that the presence of mining and the massive smelter industry in North Maluku has recently been paid very handsomely because it is risking the future fate of North Maluku’s children and grandchildren because of the extraordinary environmental damage it causes. One example of mining in parts of East Halmahera is thought to have damaged the coast and marine biota in Buli Bay due to sedimentation.
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“This is just a small example, but in fact the threat to the sustainability of the environment and social space of society is currently at serious risk. We want to ensure that once again we don’t get greedy for profit alone but forget other aspects. This area is rich in spices and marine potential, but all “It seemed like it had disappeared because everyone was dazzled because the real mine is also prosperous for anyone because we, the people, still live in poverty,” stressed Albert.
He said that based on data from the North Maluku Central Statistics Agency, in the second quarter of 20, regional economic growth reached 23.89 percent. Almost five times the average national economic growth. And the growth of nickel extractive businesses centered in three regions, namely Central Halmahera, East Halmahera and South Halmahera, has made a major contribution to this achievement. Apart from that, there is also gold mining in West Halmahera and North Halmahera.
However, ironically, the people in these mining concession locations are still mired in poverty. “These districts are rich but also have the greatest poverty. What does this mean?” asked Albert.
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Albert said, based on BPS data, until early 2023, the poverty rate in East Halmahera was recorded at 13.14 percent, while in Central Halmahera it was 12 percent. This figure is far above the provincial poverty average of 6.46 percent.
The poor population in North Maluku in March 2023 was recorded at 6.46 percent, an increase of 0.09 percentage points compared to September 2022 and an increase of 0.23 percentage points compared to March 2022. The number of poor people in March 2023 was recorded at 83,800 people, an increase of 1,660 people compared to September 2022 and an increase of 3,930 people compared to March 2022.
This is further exacerbated because BPS 2023 data states that the North Maluku Poverty Depth Index was recorded at 1.083 or an increase compared to March 2022 which was recorded at 0.912. Meanwhile, the Poverty Severity Index rose from 0.199 (March 2022) to 0.230 (March 2023).
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“This is very serious and extreme. I can’t imagine what the fate of the people of North Maluku will be in the future. Don’t let this hold a time bomb and at any time it could explode and there will be an extraordinary humanitarian disaster,” said the Head of the Youth, Student and Students Association of the DPP Association. GMNI alumni.
In the framework of community protection, he continued, in the future his party will intensively assist the community so that they do not become the ones who are sacrificed because of the presence of extractive industries in their area. He ensured that he would actively monitor any mining activities that were deemed detrimental and victimizing the community.
“We are concerned about this situation and will take steps to advocate for the interests of the community so that they truly become the center of all existing development, not the ones who are excluded or pushed aside. Including we will fight to restore the dignity of this area as an extraordinary producing area for spices and marine products and of course environmental sustainability for future generations,” concluded Albert. (Z-8)
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