KABAENA, Indonesia — The once pristine, crystal clear waters surrounding Kabaena have turned a troubling murky brown, causing the disappearance of octopi and vibrant fish that local residents used to catch for sustenance and income. The lush seaweed that was harvested for food has also vanished. Parents who grew up swimming freely in the Flores Sea now warn their children to avoid entering the water due to concerns about itchy rashes and potential skin lesions.
The residents of Kabaena, including the Indigenous Bajau people, who have historically relied on the sea for their livelihoods, represent a significant number of communities across Indonesia experiencing similar challenges due to the rapid growth of the mining industry. The extraction activities in Indonesia are largely driven by global demands for materials such as nickel, which is vital for stainless steel and electric vehicle batteries, among others.
According to Amiruddin, a local fisherman, every person in the community has felt the consequences of these operations. The country, home to the largest known nickel reserves and rich deposits of cobalt and bauxite, has entered a mining boom fueled by international demand. While the Indonesian government looks to expand its mining and processing sectors, it faces mounting criticism from both local and global environmental advocates raising concerns about the detrimental effects on nature.
Nickel processing facilities are often situated just minutes away from coastal areas, and barges laden with nickel ore frequently occupy local waters. In some cases, mining activities are located near educational institutions, raising alarms about the safety and health of nearby residents.
The intense demand for mining has taken a toll on local environments and communities. Between 2001 and 2020, the global loss of forest area reached nearly 1.4 million hectares (about 3.5 million acres), with Indonesia recording the highest rates of deforestation linked to mining activities, as reported by the World Resources Institute.
Recent data from the international environmental group Mighty Earth indicates that over 3,700 hectares (9,140 acres) of forest, including protected areas, have been cleared on Kabaena by mining companies between 2001 and 2023. The ecological and economic impact of this deforestation has been devastating, restricting fishing accessibility and diminishing livelihoods, as Amanda Hurowitz, a senior director at Mighty Earth, pointed out.
Locals who used to fish close to shore face a harsh reality; the runoff and sediment from mining have contaminated the waters, making fish absent from their usual habitats. Fishermen are compelled to go further out to sea for their catch, incurring higher fuel costs and returning with smaller, less profitable catches. Those without boats have limited food options, often resorting to gathering small shellfish in the polluted, murky waters near their homes.
Ilyas, a 70-year-old local, reminisced about a time when fishing was easy just beyond his home, indicating that now it requires traveling much farther. The effects of mining also extend to agriculture, as residents report struggling crops from sugar cane to palm trees, with irrigation sources contaminated by mining. Amal Susanto, a local palm sugar farmer, expressed worry about the potential negative impact from exploration permits that have been granted nearby, hoping for no mines to come into proximity as it would threaten their income.
Since the mining operations began, residents have reported an increase in health complaints, including itchy skin and sore throats. The community’s apprehension about bathing or washing clothes in the water is growing, as individuals like Nina, a 33-year-old Indigenous Bajau woman, describe the discomfort caused by exposure.
Environmental assessments conducted by the Indonesian nonprofit Satya Bumi revealed alarming levels of nickel, lead, and cadmium in water samples taken from local rivers and sea, as well as dust and shellfish, highlighting the toxic risks. Exposure to these metals, according to Kathrin Schilling, an assistant professor of molecular biology at Columbia University, raises concerns for serious health issues including cancer and chronic diseases. Schilling emphasized the inescapable nature of exposure for those who may consume local water and shellfish.
The situation is not confined to Kabaena; nearby, the village of Torobulu faces similar threats, as a nickel mine approaches recreational areas like soccer fields and athletic courts. This ongoing exploitation continues despite a recent ruling by Indonesia’s constitutional court aimed at providing additional protections for small islands against hazardous activities such as mining, reiterating their vulnerability to ecological disruption.
However, the Indonesian government continues to issue mining permits for small islands, according to Sayyidatiihayaa Afra, a researcher at Satya Bumi. Since the court’s ruling, Kabaena has seen further forest loss, with approximately 150 hectares (370 acres) cleared for mining activities just since April 1. This significant deforestation is mostly attributed to the mining concession granted to Tonia Mitra Sejahtera, a company that has not commented on the matter despite inquiries.
The situation has fostered a sense of helplessness among Kabaena’s residents. Nina expressed their plight articulately: “What else can we do if the water is like this? We’re small people — we can’t do anything. We have to surrender.”