Promote Social Order to Achieve Social and Ecological Justice for Communities to Prevent Illegal Artisanal Small-Scale Gold Mining

Abstract

The Indonesian National Police (POLRI) has succeeded in suppressing illegal artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASGM) that has been taking place in Mount Botak, Buru Regency, Maluku Province, Indonesia. However, POLRI has only succeeded in creating a temporary absence of illegal ASGM. This study aims to analyse an additional role POLRI could play in achieving social and ecological justice by promoting a positive and functioning social order. We used a case study method to collect data from documentation and literature studies on illegal ASGM cases in Mount Botak. The findings of this study reveal that pressure by POLRI against national and local governments may have a positive impact on the absence of illegal ASGM. This study recommends that POLRI should, in addition to the performance of its formal role in enforcing the law against illegal ASGM and maintaining security and order, play a role as a pressure group acting on national and local governments to promote social order and to achieve social and ecological justice for communities around local mining areas.