EIA/Amdal in risk society: A study in developing country Indonesia

Abstract

Although coal mining activities have an Environmental impact assessment EIA/Amdal, these activities still pose serious risks to communities in rural Indonesia. This study links EIA/Amdal with the social context of a risk society. This study aims to evaluate the legitimacy of Amdal for coal mining in Indonesia. The legitimacy of the Amdal for coal mining is based on the beliefs of experts, science, and technology (Rational model). The survey and interviews involved stakeholders in 6 coal mining villages and the Indonesian Mining Experts Association (PERHAPI). The results show that rural stakeholders are increasingly distrustful of Amdal (rational model) in avoiding risk. Meanwhile, mining expert groups still rely on rational models in making environmental decisions.