For All Humanity, Not for a Few: Qur’anic Insights on Resource Justice and the Environmental Crisis in Raja Ampat
Abstract
The mining controversy in Raja Ampat has sparked profound debates regarding the tension between economic interests and ecological preservation. This paper critically examines the issue through a Qur’anic lens, emphasizing two theological foundations: Al-Baqarah 2:29, which affirms that all resources on earth are created for humanity as a whole, and Al-A’raf 7:59, which strictly prohibits corruption and destruction of the earth after its order has been established. The interpretation of these verses highlights that natural resources are not private commodities for a small group or corporate interest, but a divine trust (amanah) intended for collective human benefit. By employing a literature review methodology, this study analyzes existing findings on the socio-ecological impacts of mining in Raja Ampat, such as marine pollution, declining fish stocks, and coral reef destruction—threats that undermine the livelihood of local communities and violate the principles of justice and sustainability in Islam. The findings suggest that Islamic ecological ethics (fiqh al-bi’ah) offers a critical framework for evaluating destructive exploitation while promoting just and sustainable resource management. This paper concludes that Qur’anic insights provide not only a moral foundation but also a practical guidance for addressing contemporary environmental crises like the Raja Ampat mining case.
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