ANALISIS DAMPAK DAN KERUGIAN EKONOMI KERUSAKAN EKOSISTEM HUTAN AKIBAT PERTAMBANGAN NIKEL DI KABUPATEN MOROWALI

Abstract

Abstrak: Penelitian ini menganalisis dampak ekologis dan kerugian ekonomi akibat aktivitas pertambangan nikel di Kabupaten Morowali, Sulawesi Tengah. Pertumbuhan industri nikel di wilayah ini berkontribusi signifikan terhadap perekonomian melalui penciptaan lapangan kerja, pendapatan daerah, dan pembangunan infrastruktur. Namun, ekspansi tambang juga menimbulkan deforestasi, degradasi lahan, pencemaran perairan, kerusakan ekosistem pesisir, dan hilangnya keanekaragaman hayati. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif melalui studi pustaka dan analisis data sekunder, dengan fokus pada dampak ekologis, sosial dan ekonomi serta hilangnya nilai ekonomi jasa ekosistem hutan. Hasil analisis valuasi menunjukkan bahwa hutan Morowali memiliki Total Economic Value (TEV) sekitar Rp2,76 triliun per tahun. Namun, 38,85% atau Rp1,07 triliun per tahun dari nilai tersebut terancam hilang akibat konsesi tambang aktif, dan tambahan Rp568,42 miliar per tahun berpotensi hilang jika terjadi ekspansi baru. Kerugian terbesar berasal dari hilangnya fungsi hutan sebagai penyerap karbon, perlindungan banjir, serta penyedia jasa ekosistem lain yang vital bagi masyarakat. Temuan ini menegaskan bahwa selain faktor ekologis, lemahnya implementasi regulasi dan reklamasi pascatambang memperparah kerugian ekonomi. Oleh karena itu, diperlukan kebijakan berbasis nilai ekonomi lingkungan, penguatan penegakan hukum, serta praktik pertambangan berkelanjutan untuk menyeimbangkan manfaat ekonomi dengan kelestarian ekosistem.

Abstract: This study analyzes the ecological impacts and economic losses resulting from nickel mining activities in Morowali Regency, Central Sulawesi. The growth of the nickel industry in this region has contributed significantly to the economy through job creation, regional income, and infrastructure development. However, mining expansion has also led to deforestation, land degradation, water pollution, coastal ecosystem damage, and biodiversity loss. This study used a descriptive qualitative approach through literature review and secondary data analysis, focusing on the ecological, social, and economic impacts and the loss of economic value of forest ecosystem services. The results of the valuation analysis indicate that Morowali forests have a Total Economic Value (TEV) of approximately IDR 2.76 trillion per year. However, 38.85%, or IDR 1.07 trillion per year, of this value is at risk of being lost due to active mining concessions, and an additional IDR 568.42 billion per year could be lost if new expansion occurs. The greatest losses come from the loss of the forest's function as a carbon sink, flood protection, and provision of other ecosystem services vital to the community. These findings confirm that in addition to ecological factors, weak implementation of regulations and post-mining reclamation exacerbate economic losses. Therefore, policies based on environmental economic value, strengthened law enforcement, and sustainable mining practices are needed to balance economic benefits with ecosystem sustainability