In the lush landscapes of Manggarai, Flores, a silent battle is unfolding between the pursuit of renewable energy and the preservation of sacred natural resources. At the heart of this conflict lies manganese, a critical mineral essential for the production of batteries used in electric vehicles and energy storage systems. The global push for renewable energy has sparked a frenzy of mining activities, but at what cost?
Bernadinus Steni, a researcher from the Study Program of Natural Resources and Environmental Management Sciences at IPB University in Bogor, Indonesia, has delved into this complex issue. His recent study, published in ‘Forest and Society’ (Hutan dan Masyarakat), sheds light on the intricate web of social, environmental, and political factors at play in the manganese mining operations in Manggarai.
The study reveals that manganese mining operations are encroaching on areas with common resources, including sacred springs and settlements. This overlap, deemed illegal by state law, highlights a critical gap in the governance of these vital resources. “The institutional barriers leading to the issuance of permits in such contexts are multifaceted,” Steni explains. “Poor institutional authority over spring governance, economic motivations, and election incentives drive institutional behavior, not simply law.”
The research underscores the need for a more holistic approach to water institutional development at the district level. Steni’s analysis integrates spatial analysis of mining operation areas with in-depth interviews with officials from key government institutions. This multifaceted approach aims to identify land use contestations and understand the underlying political economy of mining permits.
The findings are stark: the expectation of economic growth, local politics, and global demand for manganese remain significant drivers for allocating permits to manganese mines. This raises critical questions about the sustainability of the renewable energy sector and the true cost of transitioning to a greener future.
Steni’s work is a call to action for policymakers, industry leaders, and environmental advocates. It emphasizes the need for a bridging model of water institutional development that prioritizes community wellbeing and environmental sustainability. “The study concludes that springs-related institutions at the district level are at a crossroads regarding whether to protect the springs due to the changes in several laws, including regional government law in 2014,” Steni notes.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, this research serves as a reminder that the path to sustainability is not straightforward. It requires a delicate balance between economic growth, environmental preservation, and community welfare. Steni’s insights could shape future developments in the field, encouraging a more inclusive and sustainable approach to mineral extraction and renewable energy production. The question remains: will the industry heed this call, or will the pursuit of manganese continue to come at the expense of sacred natural resources and community wellbeing?
