Evaluation Of Downstream Policies: A Case Study In Raja Ampat And Its Implications For Sustainable Development

Abstract

This study aims to comprehensively assess the mineral resource downstreaming policy that has been implemented in the Raja Ampat region and identify its impact on aspects of sustainable development. This study uses a mixed-methods approach with a focus on a case study in Raja Ampat Regency. In the quantitative section, secondary data was taken from official reports from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) on nickel ore export results. For the qualitative section, the researcher conducted in-depth interviews with 12 key informants, including representatives of the local government, mining companies, environmental NGOs, and indigenous community leaders. The interview results were analyzed using thematic analysis techniques to identify perceptions, expectations, and concerns related to the implementation of downstreaming policies. The validity of the findings was enhanced through data triangulation between policy documents, production statistics, and informant narratives. The results of the study show that the downstreaming policy has created new jobs in the metal manufacturing sector but acknowledge that there are still disparities in the distribution of benefits between large industry players and coastal communities. Negative impacts have arisen from the construction of nickel processing plants, particularly an increase in liquid waste that has the potential to threaten coral reefs.