The "Land of a Thousand Hills" in Gayo Highlands, Aceh, renowned for its pristine beauty, may soon become a tale of pollution, failed harvests, landslides, and land loss. The highlands of Aceh are a majestic range of mountains, where forests, home to diverse species, coexist peacefully with wildlife. The area also harbors natural springs that remain untainted by chemicals.
The well-preserved highlands, rich in mineral resources and forest products, have become a magnet for miners and forestry companies. The abundance of precious metals in the highlands of Aceh---particularly in areas like Southeast Aceh, Gayo Lues, and Central Aceh---has attracted considerable interest. Aceh's wealth of natural resources has drawn substantial investment, particularly in mining and forestry, evidenced by the surge in new mining permits and the operations of exploitation companies. Ideally, the presence of these companies should spur economic growth in the region.
However, Indonesia's position within the Ring of Fire---a zone vulnerable to natural disasters---complicates matters. According to the Indonesian National Disaster Management Authority (BNPB), Indonesia experienced 5,400 disaster events in 2023, a sharp increase from 3,522 events in 2022, predominantly consisting of droughts, floods, landslides, and extreme weather conditions. This underscores the need for heightened preparedness to face potential disasters.
Amidst rapid development, we often overlook the long-term environmental consequences of our actions. The demand for energy resources and infrastructure drives relentless exploitation of natural resources. Yet, behind all this progress lies a growing concern for environmental degradation.
Environmental destruction is not something we can afford to ignore. Numerous instances show how human activities like deforestation, mining, and urbanization lead to ecological disasters that devastate not only flora and fauna but also human communities. Flash floods, landslides, air and water pollution, and the loss of biodiversity are glaring evidence of our disregard for the environment.
What is often overlooked is the long-term impact of environmental destruction, which is difficult to reverse. The loss of tropical forests, for example, entails more than just the disappearance of trees---it means the loss of ecological functions such as carbon storage, soil protection, and habitats for thousands of species. In the long run, this damage exacerbates climate change, increases the frequency and severity of natural disasters, and threatens food and water security for future generations.
Ironically, despite the clear and widespread impact of these issues, efforts to address environmental damage are often hindered by short-term economic interests. Governments and corporations sometimes prioritize quick profits over environmental sustainability, a paradigm that must change. Sustainable development is not an option but a necessity if we wish to ensure that our planet can continue to support life in the future.
As individuals, we also bear responsibility. Adopting more environmentally friendly products, managing waste effectively, and raising awareness about the importance of conservation should become integral parts of our lifestyle. Moreover, we must support policies that encourage sustainable business practices and hold accountable those who damage the environment.
The potential for environmental damage is a real and present threat that must not be ignored. All stakeholders---governments, corporations, and the public---must work together to prevent further degradation. It is time for us to think ahead and act wisely for the future of our planet. A healthy environment is the best legacy we can leave for our descendants.
Habitat Destruction and Endangered Species
Mining activities often destroy critical habitats for endangered species. In Kalimantan, for instance, coal mining has led to significant forest fragmentation, severing natural corridors for wildlife. According to a study by Global Forest Watch, Kalimantan lost more than 604 million hectares of forest cover between 2001 and 2018, largely due to mining and plantation activities (Global Forest Watch 2019).
Case Study: Coal Mining in Kalimantan
Coal mining in Kalimantan has not only caused deforestation but also impacted the region's biodiversity. Fragmented forests can no longer support healthy wildlife populations, including the orangutan, whose numbers have plummeted (Meijaard et al. 2018).
Chemical Pollution
Mining waste, especially from gold mines, often contains toxic chemicals such as mercury and cyanide, which can contaminate water and soil. A study published in Environmental Science & Technology revealed that gold mining activities in Poboya, Central Sulawesi, have caused mercury pollution in the Poboya River, affecting the health of local communities (Aspinall & Sukmara 2019). Environmental pollution in Gayo is a frequent occurrence; nearly every company operating in Gayo Lues has left behind a legacy of environmental damage, as evidenced by the many fallen trees in the exploitation areas of Rikit Gaib---a clear sign of the government's lack of serious oversight.
Water Pollution Case in Freeport, Papua
Gold and copper mining at the Grasberg mine in Papua, one of the largest mines in the world, has caused severe pollution in the surrounding rivers. According to a report by Amnesty International (2018), tailings from this mine have led to elevated levels of heavy metals in the Ajkwa River, damaging aquatic ecosystems and threatening the livelihoods of indigenous communities.
Soil Erosion and FloodingÂ
The loss of vegetation due to mining activities often results in severe soil erosion. Land without vegetative cover is prone to erosion, leading to landslides and flooding. A study published in the Journal of Environmental Management found that soil erosion caused by tin mining on Bangka Island has reduced soil fertility and increased sedimentation in rivers (Pratiwi et al. 2020).
Long-term Impacts on Agricultural Land
Land degradation due to mining also affects agriculture in surrounding areas. In South Sulawesi, for example, nickel mining has damaged agricultural land, reducing crop productivity and leading to a decline in income for local farmers (Sembiring et al. 2017).
Failure of Land Reclamation
Despite regulations requiring mining companies to reclaim mined land, the results are often inadequate. In many cases, reclamation fails to restore ecosystems to their original state. A report from the Indonesian Center for Environmental Law (ICEL) noted that only a small fraction of mined land has been successfully reclaimed, while the rest remains barren and unproductive (ICEL 2020).
What benefits can we possibly expect from the presence of mining in Gayo Lues? The region faces a future haunted by environmental damage and social problems. Historical evidence shows that mining areas rarely prosper, except for those who own the mines. A prime example is the LMR mine in Linge, where after securing an exploration permit, the company invited illegal miners to join in extracting resources, using dangerous chemicals in the process.
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