Arkadia UIN Jakarta Calls for Environmental Action Amidst Nickel Mining Impact on Local Communities
Harun Nasution Auditorium, UIN News Online – Arkadia, the Nature Lovers Group at UIN Jakarta, brought attention to the severe environmental and social consequences of nickel mining during a national seminar titled “The Impact of Nickel Development on the Environment and Climate” on Thursday (10/17/2024). Held in the Harun Nasution Auditorium, the seminar aimed to raise public awareness about the harmful effects of nickel extraction on ecosystems and local communities, while urging greater collective responsibility for environmental preservation.
In his opening remarks, Arkadia Chairman M. Adi Wibowo emphasized the pressing need to address nickel mining practices that fail to meet environmental standards, resulting in serious harm to surrounding communities. “This seminar serves as a platform for Arkadia to voice our concerns about the unsustainable management of nickel resources, which has severely impacted both the environment and the lives of those in affected regions,” Adi stated.
The Head of the Student and Alumni Team, Muhammad Furqon, S.Pd.I., M.A., echoed this sentiment, expressing hope that the seminar would spark a broader conversation about the need for sustainable resource management. “We hope this event not only raises awareness but also encourages people, both on campus and across Indonesia, to become actively involved in protecting and cherishing our environment,” Furqon said.
The seminar attracted participants from various universities across Indonesia, providing an opportunity for student nature groups to connect, exchange ideas, and strengthen their environmental advocacy efforts.
The first session featured Dwi Sawung, National Executive Infrastructure Campaign Manager from Walhi, who highlighted the devastating impact of large-scale nickel mining in Halmahera, North Maluku. “Nickel extraction has led to severe environmental degradation, including water pollution and the destruction of local ecosystems. Communities in these areas are facing real hardship,” Dwi explained, emphasizing the urgent need for more responsible management practices.
In the next session, Achmad Maulana, Assistant Manager and social-ecology researcher at ARC UI, presented his research on nickel management in Indonesia. His findings painted a concerning picture: current practices prioritize short-term economic gain at the expense of long-term environmental sustainability. “If we continue down this path, the consequences for our ecosystems will be catastrophic,” Achmad warned, adding that initiatives like Arkadia can play a critical role in reversing this trend.
The seminar underscored the crucial role of students and the younger generation in advocating for environmental justice. By fostering a culture of environmental stewardship and mobilizing efforts to address the challenges posed by unsustainable resource management, Arkadia and similar groups can help ensure that future generations inherit a healthier, more sustainable planet.
(Aida Adha Siregar/Fauziah M./Dzihan Aufa Kilmi Firdausi/Photo: Melva Evangelyn, Hermanudin)