The Impact of Coal Mining on the Socio-Economic of Agricultural Society in Hulu Sungai Selatan Regency

This research aims to analyse the socio-economic impact of coal mining and to examine the community’s perception of its effects. One of the developments in coal mining in South Kalimantan is in Sungai Raya District, Hulu Sungai Selatan Regency. The methods used in this research are qualitative descriptive analysis and the Likert scale. The study results show that 77% of respondents “Agree” that coal mining benefits the community. The benefits perceived by the community include increased economic activity, such as the availability of job opportunities, improved regional infrastructure, agricultural assistance (including machinery and farm access roads), support for farmers, and the development of local businesses. Meanwhile, 23% of respondents stated “Neutral” that there are still activities such as environmental management that require handling efforts, such as dust-related issues, damage to village crossing roads due to mining, and deterioration of river water quality. The economic impact generated by the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities of mining companies in 2024 totalled IDR 3,613,105,016, with eight aspects of activity designed to assist communities (community empowerment) in achieving financial independence, particularly in the agricultural sector. The environmental management and monitoring carried out by coal companies in Hulu Sungai Selatan Regency is assessed to be good, as evidenced by the achievement of environmental management performance assessment awards “Program Penilaian Peringkat Kinerja Perusahaan” (PROPER), which resulted in obtaining a Green PROPER rating from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) in 2024.