Sheha Putri, Eka Rahayu, Amanda Nazarina , Shanti Dewi, Iradhad Taqwa Sihidi

Political Ecology of Environmental Conflict in Wadas Village, Purworejo Regency

Introduction

Political ecology of environmental conflict in wadas village, purworejo regency. Political ecology analysis of environmental conflict in Wadas Village, Purworejo, due to Bener Dam mining. Examines power relations, ecological degradation, state capture, and community resistance.

Abstract

This study analyzes the agrarian and environmental conflict in Wadas Village, Purworejo Regency, which arose from the planned andesite mining to support the construction of the Bener Dam, a National Strategic Project. Using a political ecology perspective, this study examines how power relations between the state, elite interests, and local communities shape the development policy-making process. The research method used is a qualitative descriptive study based on documentation, utilizing data sources in the form of scientific articles, civil society organization reports, government policy documents, environmental impact analysis (EIA) documents, and media coverage. The results show that the mining plan has the potential to cause significant ecological degradation, particularly affecting the sustainability of water springs, soil stability, and the local community's agricultural system. In addition to the ecological impacts, this conflict also triggers socio-political degradation at the grassroots level, characterized by community polarization, weakened social solidarity, narrowed space for public participation, and the emergence of repressive actions by state officials. The research findings indicate a pattern of state capture in development policy, where state decisions reflect the economic-political interests of elites rather than the interests of affected communities. The green development narrative used by the government serves to legitimize the practice of natural resource extractivism. On the other hand, the resistance of the Wadas community demonstrates the residents' political capacity to defend their living space through collective mobilization and the utilization of local knowledge. This research confirms that the Wadas conflict is a question of ecological justice, citizenship rights, and democracy in development practices in Indonesia

Review

This study offers a compelling and timely examination of the agrarian and environmental conflict in Wadas Village, driven by the planned andesite mining for the Bener Dam project. The choice of a political ecology perspective is particularly apt, providing a robust framework to dissect the intricate power relations between state apparatuses, elite interests, and local communities in shaping development policies. The qualitative descriptive methodology, drawing comprehensively from scientific articles, civil society reports, government documents, EIA analyses, and media coverage, promises a rich and well-substantiated analysis, offering a multi-layered understanding of this complex socio-environmental dispute. The research delivers crucial insights into the multifaceted impacts of the mining plan. It effectively demonstrates not only the potential for significant ecological degradation—threatening water sources, soil stability, and agricultural livelihoods—but also the profound socio-political degradation experienced at the grassroots level. The findings powerfully illustrate a pattern of 'state capture,' where development decisions align with elite economic-political interests, often at the expense of affected communities. Furthermore, the study critically unmasks the 'green development' narrative as a legitimizing tool for natural resource extractivism. Conversely, it commendably highlights the Wadas community's impressive political capacity, showcasing their collective mobilization and utilization of local knowledge in defending their ancestral lands, thereby offering a more nuanced understanding of resistance movements. Ultimately, this study significantly contributes to ongoing debates surrounding ecological justice, citizenship rights, and democratic practices within the context of national development in Indonesia. By framing the Wadas conflict as a crucial battleground for these principles, the research provides valuable lessons applicable beyond this specific case, resonating with similar resource conflicts globally. Its robust analysis of power dynamics, legitimizing narratives, and community resilience makes it an important piece of scholarship for academics, policymakers, and civil society actors grappling with the challenges of sustainable and equitable development.

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