LOCAL POLITICAL DYNAMICS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF MINING RESOURCES

IMPLICATIONS FOR SOCIAL WELFARE IN MINING AREAS IN NORTH KONAWE, SOUTHEAST SULAWESI

Abstract

The dynamics of local politics play a central role in shaping the governance of natural resources, particularly in the mining sector, where political actors, corporations, and communities interact within an asymmetrical power structure. This study investigates how local political configurations influence the management of mining resources and how these dynamics affect social equity, community welfare, and environmental sustainability. The research employs a qualitative approach, drawing on field interviews, observations, and document analysis conducted in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. The findings reveal that local political elites often dominate decision-making processes related to mining permits and community development programs, frequently through patron–client relationships and collusion with corporate actors. Such dynamics lead to the capture of economic benefits by a narrow group of political and business elites, while the wider community experiences negative externalities such as livelihood loss, environmental degradation, and limited access to development opportunities. Furthermore, the study highlights structural weaknesses in the implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs, which are frequently designed as short-term, symbolic interventions that serve more as political legitimization tools than genuine empowerment mechanisms. The absence of inclusive and redistributive policies exacerbates social and ecological injustice, widening disparities in resource access and economic benefits. This research also underscores the role of employment gatekeeping and political control over local economic privileges, which foster dependency and restrict substantive community participation. Theoretically, the study contributes to discussions on the “local resource curse” by demonstrating that natural resource wealth, without accountable governance and inclusive redistribution, tends to reinforce inequality rather than reduce it. Practically, the findings suggest the need for policy reforms that strengthen transparency, accountability, and participatory governance mechanisms. Integrating redistributive strategies, long-term CSR based empowerment, and ecological safeguards is essential to ensure that mining resource management contributes not only to regional revenue but also to sustainable community welfare. Keywords: local politics, mining governance, community welfare, CSR, resource curse, Southeast Sulawesi.