The Dilemma between the People’s Economy and the Green Economy: Community Dependence on Illegal Gold Mining in Kuantan Singingi Regency

Abstract

Unlicensed gold mining (PETI) in Kuantan Singingi Regency, Riau Province, poses a governance challenge involving community livelihood needs and environmental protection. Although mining provides income-generating opportunities, it is associated with land-use changes and risks of environmental degradation. This study examines the relationships among community livelihoods, the environmental impacts of PETI, and local government capacity to support a transition toward sustainable economic development. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed through a literature review of scholarly articles, policy documents, and relevant official sources. The reviewed materials were analysed thematically across three dimensions: community livelihoods, environmental sustainability, and policy governance. Local literature reports the conversion of 2,680.03 hectares of land into unlicensed mining areas around the Singingi River between 2006 and 2018. Previous studies also address the social impacts of PETI and limitations in implementing mining control policies in Kuantan Singingi. The synthesis indicates that addressing PETI requires an integrated approach that connects livelihood opportunities, environmental protection, and policy implementation capacity. Accordingly, the study proposes a just transition strategy encompassing local economic diversification, stronger environmental monitoring and institutional coordination, environmental restoration, and the facilitation of community mining where both the location and activities satisfy applicable legal requirements. The proposed strategy contributes a basis for aligning community livelihood considerations with environmental governance and sustainable local economic development. However, given the absence of primary data collection, the extent of community economic dependence on PETI and the effectiveness of the proposed measures require further empirical investigation.