KONFLIK PERTAMBANGAN PASIR BESI DI DESA WOGALIH, KECAMATAN YOSOWILANGUN, KABUPATEN LUMAJANG TAHUN 2010-2011 (THE CONFLICT OF IRON SAND MINING IN WOGALIH VILLAGE, YOSOWILANGUN SUBDISTRICT, LUMAJANG REGENCY 2010-2011)

Abstract

This article discusses the iron sand mining conflict taking place in the regency of Lumajang from an environmental politics perspective. The main problems dealt with here are causes and process of conflict, parties involved in the conflicts and their arguments, and the impact of the iron sand mining. The source materials consulted for the discussion include newspaper reports, oral history interviews and observation. There two major groups getting involved in the conflict, the pro and anti-iron sand mining. The conflict originated from the return of PT Antam proposing iron sand mining operation and the government has issued the permit. The anti iron sand mining groups believe that the mining activity would only provide limited economic benefits to the local people and bring detrimental impact on the environment. The pro mining groups argue that the activity will offer great economic benefits for the people and local government. Based on the case of Wotgalih iron sand mining, this article demonstrates that mining has the power to disintegrate the society and to destroy the environment