STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (SEA) IN A CONFLICT SITUATION: A CASE STUDY ON NORTH KENDENG MOUNTAIN AREA, CENTRAL JAVA, INDONESIASUDHARTO P. HADI, IMAM BUCHORI, HARTUTI PURNAWENI, BULAN PRABAWANI AND SURYO ADIWIBOWOAbstract Since 2008, the utilization of limestone for cement production at the North Kendeng Mountain Area, Central Java, has sparked conflict between local and provincial governments on one side and local residents, NGOs and academicians on the other side. The government and their allies argue that allowing cement factories to mine the area will create economic growth, job opportunities and other positive impacts. By contrast, the local residents and their supporters are concerned that mining activities will potentially deplete water resources and degrade the environment. These effects, in turn, will threaten availability of potable water for household use and of irrigation water for rice production. Strategic environmental assessment (SEA) is expected to mediate conflicts similar to the above case by providing recommendation on the allocation of areas for conservation and for mining. This paper reviews the process of SEA, and the problems encountered during the identification of issues and during the determination of natural karst landscape for conservation. The data collection techniques include observation, informal interview and literature review. SEA requires the full participation of stakeholders, objectivity and transparency. However, given that each party has their own interest and own agenda regarding the use of limes tonere sources in the area, trustis required to achieve a good result for sustainable development. |