inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. West Papua Regional Police Vice Chief Brigadier General Sulastiana stated that there are five principles of risk-based mining governance that need to be implemented by local governments.
This approach is a policy framework that will help local governments manage natural resources more carefully, transparently, responsibly, and sustainably.
"It's time to organize natural resource development with a new paradigm, not prioritizing permits over dialogue, or prioritizing production over protection," Sulastiana said during her scientific oration at the inaugural graduation ceremony of Caritas Indonesia University in Manokwari on Saturday (3/28/2026).
She stated that the first principle is for local governments to strengthen policies on recognizing and protecting indigenous communities and their territories as the basis for development governance.
Second, the principle of free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) should be made a substantive procedure in all mining operations that intersect with customary law areas.
Third, implement a joint oversight mechanism involving the government, indigenous communities, higher education institutions, religious institutions, and other independent entities to ensure that natural resource management is not carried out without social accountability.
Fourth, the sharing of benefits must be tangible, including employment opportunities, education, empowerment of local businesses, protection of indigenous women, and social investment in accordance with the needs of local communities.
Fifth, mining operations must adhere to the principles of environmental sustainability, as ecological damage causes social damage that will be paid dearly by future generations.
"Many mining problems in West Papua require a shift in management paradigms. Therefore, I propose five principles in my scientific speech," Sulastiana said.
She stated that the characteristics of gold mining governance challenges differ from those of oil and gas (petroleum and natural gas), but that the instruments for resolution must use an approach that prioritizes risk identification and mapping.
This identification and mapping includes determining areas with high ecological vulnerability so that they are not used for mining, strengthening supervision of illegal mining, and ensuring the involvement of indigenous communities.
"Indigenous communities must be involved in the planning and decision-making process for every mining activity," she said.
According to her, the scientific oration on the topic of risk-based mining governance policy analysis aims to raise awareness and participation among recent graduates who are able to bridge the gap between science, ethics, and social service.
The younger generation plays a crucial role in mitigating the risks of environmental damage and natural resource conservation resulting from mining activities and natural resource exploration that do not adhere to sustainability principles.
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