Bali. Issues of mining justice, land conflicts, and the vulnerability of vulnerable groups in nickel industry development were the primary concerns of the Thematic Research Group (TRG) Concern delegation from Hasanuddin University at the 12th National Sociology Conference and 5th APSSI Congress, held in Bali on June 24–26, 2026.
TRG Concern Unhas sent panelists Dr. Sawedi Muhammad, M.Sc. Suryanto Arifin, S.Sos., M.Si, Hariashari Rahim, S.Sos., M.Si. and Andi Nurlela, S.Sos., M.Si to present their research findings and strengthen the national research network in the fields of development sociology, natural resource conflicts, and social justice.
This participation is crucial amidst the intensifying debate regarding the direction of national development through the National Strategic Projects (PSN). In the forum, attended by sociologists from various universities in Indonesia, the Indonesian Association of Social and Political Sciences (APSSI) highlighted that development oriented toward economic growth often creates new tensions between the state, corporations, and local communities.
One paper that garnered attention was “Mining Justice: When Profit Defeats People and Planet,” which highlighted the paradox of nickel downstreaming in Indonesia. Although downstreaming has successfully driven national economic growth, its benefits are deemed not to have been distributed fairly to producing regions, indigenous communities, or the environment. This research confirms that the orientation toward economic profit remains dominant over social justice and ecological sustainability.
The second study examined land conflicts and identity negotiations among local communities in the Malili nickel industrial area. This study demonstrated that communities are not only affected but also active actors developing mediation strategies through strengthening their identities, local wisdom, and village institutions to fight for their rights.
Meanwhile, the third study addressed the issue of gender-based vulnerability in nickel industrial development in East Luwu. The research findings show that women, children, and people with disabilities face multiple vulnerabilities due to limited access to employment, education, and public services. These findings emphasize that industrial development without inclusive policies has the potential to deepen social inequality.
The 12th APSSI Conference, themed “National Strategic Projects (PSN): Measuring the Consequences of Development and the Direction of National Interests,” serves as a space for academic reflection to assess the extent to which national development truly aligns with the public interest. This forum also serves as a platform for Indonesian sociologists to consolidate their efforts in formulating social strategies that are more responsive to development dynamics.
For TRG Concern Unhas, participation in this conference is not merely a forum for scientific presentations, but also a strategic step to expand research collaboration and strengthen academic contributions in addressing socio-ecological issues in Indonesia’s mining areas. By bringing critical issues from the field to the national forum, TRG Concern Unhas emphasizes the importance of research that not only generates knowledge but also promotes more just and sustainable social transformation.
