Socio-Economic Analysis of Traditional Diamond Mining Community in Banjarbaru City, South Kalimantan

Abstract

Since the 8th century, the South Kalimantan region was known as a diamond producer, especially in the Cempaka Sub-District, Banjarbaru City. Local communities have carried out the work as a traditional diamond miner for generations in groups with a system of division of labor and results. This study aims to determine the effect of diamond mining on the socio-economic conditions of the miners, especially related to income and expenditure. Primary data collection was carried out in May-Augustst 2018 in the Cempaka diamond mining location through field observations, in-depth interviews, FGDs, and questionnaires. Based on David Ricardo’s theory, the informants and respondents were grouped into three categories: diamond miners, landowners, and diamond polisher. The analysis showed that diamond mining contributes to all, but with different income levels. The average monthly income of diamond miners (Rp 1,147,222.22) is the smallest compared to diamond polisher (Rp 2,125,000.00) and landowners (Rp 3,625,000.00). For average expenditures per month, each of which is sequentially Rp 1,186,239.35; Rp 1,020,658.33; and Rp 1,273,950.00. This indicates a deficit between income and expenditure of diamond miners. The deficit was covered by various programs from the government, such as food assistance for poor households (‘Raskin’). The study also showed differences in the socio-economic characteristics of diamond miners, diamond polishers, and landowners.