Challenging cement extractivism: valuation of ecosystem services in the Pracimantoro Karst, Central Java

The planned construction of a cement factory and its accompanying limestone quarry in Pracimantoro District, Wonogiri Regency, Central Java, has drawn strong opposition from local residents because of the risk of serious environmental damage. Located within the Pegunung Sewu karst landscape, the quarry is feared to damage the fragile hydrological system and threaten the livelihoods of local farmers who depend on their land. Residents are also concerned that this kind of environmental degradation would make the surrounding area less habitable and diminish their overall quality of life.

A CELIOS report titled “CHALLENGING CEMENT EXTRACTIVISM: VALUATION OF ECOSYSTEM SERVICES IN THE PRACIMANTORO KARST, CENTRAL JAVA” estimates that the cement factory and quarry would cause environmental losses of Rp22.7 trillion over 70 years, or as much as Rp26.5 trillion if exploitation proceeded more rapidly—costs that would largely be borne by local communities. The report recommends revoking the limestone mining business permit (IUP), cancelling construction of the cement factory, and encouraging the government to develop more sustainable economic alternatives focused on food security and restorative economic practices.

The planned construction of a cement factory and its accompanying limestone quarry in Pracimantoro District, Wonogiri Regency, Central Java, has drawn strong opposition from local residents due to the risk of serious environmental damage. Built atop the Gunung Sewu karst landscape, the quarry threatens to disrupt the delicate hydrological system and undermine the livelihoods of local farmers who depend on the land. Residents fear that such environmental degradation would make the surrounding area less habitable and diminish their overall quality of life.

A report by CELIOS, Challenging Cement Extractivism: Valuation of Ecosystem Services in the Pracimantoro Karst, Central Java , estimated that the cement factory and quarry would cause environmental losses of Rp22.7 trillion over 70 years, or up to Rp26.5 trillion with faster exploitation—costs that would largely fall on local communities. The report recommends revoking the limestone mining permit (IUP), halting the factory’s construction, and instead promoting sustainable economic alternatives focused on food security and restorative practices.

[ID] CELIOS—Valuation of Ecosystem Services in the Pracimantoro Karst vs. Cement — Download