Understanding the Legal Mandate of Natural Resource Management in Indonesia

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 107 views

The Impact of PT Dairi Prima Mineral (DPM) on the Social Movement in Dairi Regency in 2021

Understanding the Legal Mandate of Natural Resource Management in Indonesia

Article 33 paragraph 3 of the 1945 Constitution states that the earth, water, and natural resources contained therein are controlled by the state and used for the greatest prosperity of the people. This legal mandate is the basis for the government to regulate and manage all natural resources in Indonesia. The government's goal of achieving prosperity through development is a key aspect of its dialogue with the community, aiming to give confidence and build trust in the decision-making process.

The Existence of PT Dairi Prima Mineral (DPM) and its Impact on Social Dynamics

The existence of PT Dairi Prima Mineral (DPM) is a clear proof that the state has power over natural wealth in Indonesia. The zinc mine located in the Sopokomil region, Dairi Regency, North Sumatra Province, was established in 1998 with an area of 27,420 hectares and stored zinc reserves about 5 percent of the total world zinc reserves. The existence of this mine triggered a social movement from two directions, with the community divided into two camps: rejects and supporters. This dualism strengthens social dynamics in Dairi Regency, making it a complex issue that requires careful consideration.

Dualism of Social Movement: Rejects and Supporters

The social movement triggered by the existence of PT DPM is a reflection of the community's concerns and fears about the potential negative impacts of the mine. The community is worried about the environmental and health impacts of the mine, as well as the potential displacement of residents and the destruction of their livelihoods. On the other hand, some members of the community support the mine, seeing it as an opportunity for economic growth and development. This dualism highlights the complexity of the issue and the need for a nuanced approach to addressing the concerns of both groups.

Concerns of Society and Social Movements

The community's concerns about the existence of PT DPM are not limited to environmental and health impacts. They also include issues related to transparency, accountability, and community rights. The community demands that PT DPM be transparent about its operations and that it takes responsibility for any negative impacts. They also demand that their rights as community members be respected and protected. This social movement is a form of resistance to the negative impacts of the mine and a call for greater accountability and transparency.

Theory and Methodology: Understanding Social Movements

Researchers have used the theory approach of civil society, new social movements, and political participation to understand the social movements carried out by the community. This approach recognizes that social movements are a key aspect of civil society and that they play a crucial role in promoting democracy and human rights. By analyzing the forms and processes of social movements, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics at play and the ways in which they can be addressed.

Impact Analysis of PT DPM: Economic and Environmental Impacts

The existence of PT DPM has a complex impact on the people of Dairi Regency. On the one hand, the mine opens up economic opportunities and new employment, attract investment, and increases regional income. However, on the other hand, the existence of the mine also causes concerns about the negative impacts on the environment, such as water, soil, and air pollution, as well as damage to ecosystems. This highlights the need for a balanced approach that takes into account both the economic and environmental impacts of the mine.

Social Movement as a Form of Resistance

The social movement carried out by the Dairi Regency community is a form of resistance to the negative impacts of the mine. The community demands transparency and accountability from PT DPM, as well as protection of the environment and community rights. This movement also shows public awareness of the importance of participation in decision-making related to the management of natural resources.

Conclusion: The Importance of Community Involvement

The existence of PT DPM in Dairi Regency triggered complex social dynamics. The social movement that arises shows that society has an important awareness and role in preserving the environment and fighting for their rights. This movement is also proof that society is not always passive in dealing with policies that have the potential to harm them. It is essential for the government and PT DPM to pay attention to the aspirations of the community and involve them in the decision-making process related to mining management.

Recommendation: Building Harmonious Relations

It is crucial for the government and PT DPM to build harmonious relations with the community by being transparent, accountable, and engaging in constructive dialogue. This can be achieved by involving the community in the decision-making process, providing them with accurate information about the mine's operations, and taking responsibility for any negative impacts. By doing so, the government and PT DPM can build trust and confidence with the community, ensuring that the mine is developed in a way that benefits both the company and the community.

Future Directions: Ensuring Sustainable Development

The social movement carried out by the Dairi Regency community highlights the need for sustainable development that takes into account both economic and environmental impacts. It is essential for the government and PT DPM to adopt a balanced approach that prioritizes the well-being of the community and the environment. By doing so, they can ensure that the mine is developed in a way that benefits both the company and the community, promoting sustainable development and social justice.

References

Article 33 paragraph 3 of the 1945 Constitution
Theories of civil society, new social movements, and political participation
Research on the social movement carried out by the Dairi Regency community
Reports on the environmental and health impacts of the mine
Interviews with community members and stakeholders involved in the mine's operations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Impact of PT Dairi Prima Mineral (DPM) on the Social Movement in Dairi Regency in 2021

Q: What is the main issue with the existence of PT DPM in Dairi Regency?

A: The main issue is the potential negative impacts of the mine on the environment and the community, including water, soil, and air pollution, as well as damage to ecosystems. The community is also concerned about the displacement of residents and the destruction of their livelihoods.

Q: What are the economic benefits of the mine?

A: The mine opens up economic opportunities and new employment, attract investment, and increases regional income. However, the community is concerned that the economic benefits may not be shared fairly and that the negative impacts may outweigh the benefits.

Q: What is the role of the government in this issue?

A: The government has a responsibility to regulate and manage natural resources in Indonesia, including the mine. The government should ensure that the mine is developed in a way that benefits both the company and the community, while also protecting the environment.

Q: What is the role of PT DPM in this issue?

A: PT DPM has a responsibility to be transparent and accountable in its operations, to take responsibility for any negative impacts, and to involve the community in the decision-making process. The company should also prioritize the well-being of the community and the environment.

Q: What is the significance of the social movement carried out by the Dairi Regency community?

A: The social movement is a form of resistance to the negative impacts of the mine and a call for greater accountability and transparency. It shows that society is not always passive in dealing with policies that have the potential to harm them and that they have an important awareness and role in preserving the environment and fighting for their rights.

Q: What are the potential consequences of not addressing the concerns of the community?

A: If the concerns of the community are not addressed, it may lead to further conflict and social unrest, as well as damage to the reputation of PT DPM and the government. It may also lead to a loss of trust and confidence in the government and the company.

Q: What are the potential solutions to this issue?

A: The potential solutions include:

Involving the community in the decision-making process
Providing accurate information about the mine's operations
Taking responsibility for any negative impacts
Prioritizing the well-being of the community and the environment
Ensuring that the economic benefits of the mine are shared fairly

Q: What is the next step in addressing this issue?

A: The next step is for the government and PT DPM to engage in constructive dialogue with the community, to listen to their concerns and to work together to find solutions that benefit both the company and the community.

Q: What is the long-term goal of the social movement?

A: The long-term goal of the social movement is to ensure that the mine is developed in a way that benefits both the company and the community, while also protecting the environment. It is also to promote sustainable development and social justice.

Q: How can the community get involved in addressing this issue?

A: The community can get involved by:

Participating in public hearings and meetings
Providing feedback and comments on the mine's operations
Joining community groups and organizations that are working on this issue
Contacting the government and PT DPM to express their concerns and demands

Q: What resources are available to help the community address this issue?

A: There are various resources available to help the community address this issue, including:

Government agencies and departments that are responsible for regulating and managing natural resources
Community groups and organizations that are working on this issue
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that are advocating for the rights of the community
Academic and research institutions that are studying the impacts of the mine.