Damage from coal mining in East Kalimantan. Photo: Hendar
Reclamation of over 830,000 hectares of abandoned mines has yet to
begin in East Kalimantan, Indonesia–despite a provincial law passed
over a year ago mandating the formation of commission to oversee the
process. A report by the Indonesia Center for Environmental Law (ICEL)
says the stalling continues to result in negative environmental,
health, and economic impacts.
“If this is allowed to continue,” said Dyah Paramitam, a researcher
for ICEL, “then in 5-10 years, the government will be stuck with the
reclamation and post-mining issues. The funds for cleanup will drain
the state budget when it should be the obligation of the companies
responsible.”
Over 1.4 million hectares of East Kalimantan province have been
disturbed by mining. As companies expand and move to new areas, they
often leave behind sprawling, un-reclaimed pits which fill with
polluted water posing health and environmental hazards to the local
population. In
Samarinda, toxic runoff from coal mines has destroyed crops while
several children have died after falling into unstable pits.
Currently, there are only 18 inspectors tasked with monitoring 1,223
mines operating in the province.
In November of 2013, the East Kalimantan government passed Bylaw No.
8, which called for the formation of of Indonesia’s first Regional
Commission for Post-Mining and Reclamation–to be established within
six months of the law’s passage. The group is to be tasked with
sorting through the network of conflicting permits and conducting
document verification, as well as investigating and reporting illegal
activities.
However, one year on, the Commission has yet to be established. At
best, those familiar with the process hope that a plan for the group’s
formation will be submitted to the governor later this month–though,
likely, no real action will be taken until some time in 2015.
SOURCE: Yustinus S. Hardjanto. Menanti Komisi Pengawas Reklamasi dan Pasca-Tambang Daerah Pertama di Indonesia Mongabay-Indonesia. November 16, 2014.