Nickel Mining Power Harms Kabaena Island's Forests and Communities

Sailan (61), a resident of Tangkeno Village on Kabaena Island, South Sulawesi, is preparing to harvest palm sap, a traditional practice now threatened by nickel mining development. Tangkeno Village, known as the "Land Above the Clouds," is nestled in a hilly region and is also a tourist destination. Sailan's daily routine involves harvesting palm sap in the morning and afternoon. However, the forests essential for this practice are diminishing due to development. He points out that PT BBS's nickel mining operations are causing deforestation and water pollution. The mining concession area overlaps with forest regions, including the indigenous settlement of Tangkeno Village. Sailan and his wife, Nurbiah (59), process the harvested palm sap using traditional methods to produce palm sugar (gula aren). However, environmental changes brought about by the development could impact this traditional industry. Sailan expresses concerns about the effects of mining on the lives of local residents. This issue highlights the complexities of natural resource development in Indonesia and its impact on indigenous communities and the environment. Nickel, in particular, is in high demand as a key component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries, leading to accelerated development. However, this raises questions about the sustainability of local communities and the protection of traditional cultures.