Strengthening community social capital for post-mining land restoration efforts: Study at PT RBT in Penyamun Village, Bangka Belitung Province, Indonesia

Abstract

Indonesia is still facing various environmental problems due to increasingly massive and inappropriate mining activities. Therefore, land restoration is a basic practice in the rehabilitation of mining damage. This study aims to examine empirically the reality of the relationship between the community and PT RBT and strengthen social capital in carrying out post-mining land restoration activities. This study used the descriptive qualitative method. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and a literature study. The results showed that social relations became the main indicator in supporting the formation of trust, cooperation, and networks. Elements of social capital are packaged in the form of community participation in various post-mining land restoration activities. This is done to minimize the level of environmental damage that has increased massively, marked by the ex-mining pit that occurred in Bangka Belitung. The relationships formed are certainly expected to provide feedback for villages that run post-mining land restoration programs. This study concludes that the existence of bonding and bridging social capital that works well will facilitate the continuity of the post-mining land restoration programs.

The resolution of the transition conflict from tourism to mining in Pangkal Niur Village through the strengthening of social capital

“…Morton Deutsch, as cited in Muliono (2020), a pioneer in conflict resolution education, states that in conflict, social interaction among individuals or groups is more influenced by differences than similarities. The research by Herdiyanti et al (2022) depicts that conflicting interests serve as a trigger and a primary factor causing some people to oppose mining activities in communities whose livelihoods depend on the mining sector. The early resistance is demonstrated by constructing a pier to symbolize that illegal miners should not exploit the area.…”

“…Despite having the right to exploit tin mining, humans often focus on human interests rather than the natural environment. Herdiyanti et al (2022) argue that, although humans have the right to exploit tin mines, this view can lead to conflict. This demonstrates that humans often position themselves as actors controlling the environment.…”

“…Moreover, bridging social capital has the potential to be a key player in driving community development (Maunganidze & Dzingirai 2021). Herdiyanti et al (2022) revealed that bridging social capital is vital, generating synergy between bonding and bridging social capital, providing a more complex dimension to social relationships. Wynne (2007) explained that the effectiveness of social capital is achieved when there is a balance between the strength of bonding and bridging social capital as a unified entity.…”

Social Capital Dynamics in Resolving Transition Conflict: Tourism to Mining in Pangkal Niur Village

“…Bridging social capital is pivotal (Herdiyanti, Saputra, Indra, & Rahman, 2022) in connecting Pangkal Niur Village with external relationships, complementing bonding social capital. Wynne (2007) stresses the importance of balancing bonding and bridging social capital for effectiveness, particularly in a rapidly modernizing context.…”