Java, Indonesia’s most densely populated island, has long borne the brunt of unchecked extractive activities. Mining, particularly for cement production, has pushed the island beyond its ecological carrying capacity—damaging landscapes, threatening hydrological systems, and undermining the livelihoods of nearby communities. What is often called “development” is instead driving an ecological crisis with long-term economic and social consequences.
Through this assessment, CELIOS emphasizes the urgent need for a moratorium on new mining licenses in Java. A temporary halt is not only a legal and policy necessity, but also an ecological imperative to safeguard the island’s future. Rather than continuing to extract natural resources, Java must shift toward an agenda of restoration and sustainability. This report shows why halting the expansion of extractive industries is a crucial step toward a fairer, more resilient, and restorative economy.
Java, the most densely populated island in Indonesia, has long borne the brunt of unchecked extractive activities. Mining, particularly for cement production, has pushed the island beyond its ecological carrying capacity—eroding landscapes, threatening water systems, and undermining the livelihoods of surrounding communities. What is often framed as “development” is in fact driving an ecological crisis with long-term economic and social costs.
Through this assessment, CELIOS underscores the urgent need for a moratorium on new mining licenses in Java. A pause is not just a legal and policy necessity, but also an ecological imperative to safeguard the island’s future. Instead of endlessly exploiting its natural resources, Java must shift toward restoration and sustainability. This report highlights why stopping the expansion of extractive industries is a critical step toward building a fairer, more resilient, and restorative economy.
Assessment of the Moratorium on Mining Licenses Across Java — Download