Effect of Illegal Gold Mining Activities on Social-Economic of Workers and Community Surrounding the Watershed in Kuantan Singingi, Indonesia

Illegal Gold Mining in Kuantan Singingi (Kuansing) initially carried out by migrants and followed by local villagers because of economic needs. The workers using mercury (Hg), resulting in river water pollution and suspected cause social economic problems for community surrounding the watersheds. This study aims to determine effect of illegal gold mining activity on social economy of workers and community surrounding the watershed in Kuantan Singingi. This research uses both quantitative and qualitative exploratory research. The results showed that illegal gold mining activity in Kuantan Singingi has increase economic income of workers, investors and local police officers were involved, but it has been detrimental to the public around the watershed and cause environmental pollution. The river water can no longer be used for daily necessities, public has difficulties to getting clean water and fish. Illegal gold mining activities often lead conflicts between the perpetrators of illegal miners (workers / owners) with security personnel and sometimes conflict with the surrounding community. Illegal gold mining activity in streams and irrigation dams to be terminated through mutual commitment. The local government, stakeholders and citizens also the private sector need to prepare a social control program after close the illegal gold miners by providing jobs for local people in agriculture and plantations, community empowerment, improving skills and people's income, needs to be diversified, and provision of subsidies. Local governments can also use village funds budget for rural development and help provide land, seed, fertilizer, livestock, and other efforts to improve rural communities welfare.