Wacana Forum of IPB Holds a National Seminar and Training on Mine Reclamation
Bogor (31/1). Changes in landscape, distorted cultural and social values as well as widespread damage to forest ecosystem are series of impacts arising from mining activities. Therefore mine reclamation activities should consider the ecological sustainability, social and cultural aspects, improve productivity and biodiversity of post-mining land and promote regional economic growth. Departing from this idea, the Graduate Student Forum (Wacana) of IPB in cooperation with Forum of Forest and Ex-Mining Land Reclamation (FRHLBT) and SEAMEO BIOTROP held a National Seminar and Training on Mine Reclamation on the topic "The Role of the Mining Sector in Improving Environmental Quality and Social Care on Ex-Mining Area ".
Chief executive, Faridh Almuhayat in its report said that the National Seminar held on January 31 at IPB International Convention Center was attended by more than 100 participants from various backgrounds both from mining companies, governments, researchers, lecturers, and students. He also reported that the training carried out from 1 to 3 February 2013 at SEAMEO BIOTROP was attended by dozens of participants.
At the opening ceremony of the National Seminar, Chairman of Wacana Forum, Syamsu Rijal, S.Hut, M.Si said that the national seminar and training on ex-mining reclamation is carried out for the second time after the same event in 2012. Last year it focused more on the role of multidiscipline in mine reclamation, and now it is concentrated more on the concept and studies of the role and responsibilities of mining companies in the socio-cultural aspects of the community and environment. In addition, on February 3, 2013 a fieldtrip was made to the ex-mining site of PT. Holcim, precisely at Holcim Education Forest (HEF) in Sukabumi ".
On the occasion Dean of the Graduate School (SPs) IPB, Dr. Ir. Dahrul Shah, MSc. Agr. said, "IPB Graduate Students, who are in general from remote regions, will be new agents of change in mining reclamation. Currently there is still inverse correlation between mining companies and local residents, that is, the mining companies have such great benefits from their mining activities, but it is not so with the communities around the mining area – they generally live below the poverty line. This is one that should be discussed in this forum.”
This national seminar invited Secretary General of the Ministry of Forestry, Dr. Daryanto as keynote speaker representing the Minister of Forestry; paper presenters such as FRHLBT Chairman, Ir. Jeffrey Muliono; Representative of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bambang Susigit; IPB Academicians, Dr. Soedarsano Soedomo and Dr. Suwardi as well as representatives of PT. Freeport Indonesia, Andi Muhlisa and PT. Adaro Indonesia, Budi Suprianto. (Mtd)
