Community gold mining (CGM) in Indonesia: prohibited or formalized? A comparative analysis work in natural resources...

Community gold mining (CGM) has been practiced in Indonesia for over a century and is commonly associated with the use of mercury, leading to economic losses and social problems. The key policy question is whether CGM should be prohibited or formalized. This research aims to conduct a comparative analysis of these two options to identify the most viable approach for resolving issues in community gold mining (CGM). The study was conducted in Kertajaya Village, Sukabumi, Indonesia, displayed in a spatial map that employed the Arc GIS 10, held from 2018 to 2020, with a follow-up field survey carried out in 2023. The research implied a comprehensive method for purposes: data collecting through observation, investigation method, and literature study, along with data processing through compilation and comparative analysis. The quantitative work for prediction purpose is processed in Microsoft Excel 2010. All data is laid out in the next stage: the development of the instrumentation in assessment of the CGM, that is simplified, scorecard-based framework for policy decision support. A qualitative work was also conducted by literature review to strengthen the analysis. The findings indicate that CGM activities in the study area present more advantages than disadvantages, specifically in social and economic aspects. The research concludes that the CGM site is recommended to be formalized.