Gold or Green? Indonesia's Dilemma with Illegal Mining

In Indonesia, illegal gold mining poses significant risks to both the environment and the local populations. The small-scale operations contribute to deforestation and pollution through hazardous chemicals. Efforts to encourage traditional farming practices are increasing, as authorities and locals seek sustainable economic alternatives.

In the heart of Indonesia's Banten region, residents face a dilemma between quick profits from illegal gold mining and sustainable traditional farming. The artisanal miners, driven by economic need, extract gold at the expense of the environment and their own safety, using toxic chemicals like mercury which pollute land and water.

Authorities and environmental activists are advocating for a shift back to age-old farming practices, which are less destructive to the lush, megadiverse landscape that defines Indonesia. Former miner Dedi Supriadi now champions this movement, having traded the dangerous depths of mining for the nurturing soil of his aubergine and cucumber farm.

Efforts are underway to provide viable alternatives to mining. With the aid of local officers and NGOs, miners are being helped to transition into agriculture and traditional livelihoods. However, challenges persist in changing long-standing practices and sustaining both community economies and environments.

(With inputs from agencies.)