Sejarah Kedatangan Penambang Nias di Sihayo (1980-2010)

Abstract

The present study examines the arrival of Nias migrants to the Sihayo region of Mandailing Natal Regency and their involvement in gold mining activities during the period 1980-2010. The phenomenon of migration is influenced by a combination of economic, social and cultural factors. Historically, the Nias people have demonstrated a propensity for mobility, driven by the search for economic opportunities. When viewed within the broader context of historical migration patterns in Indonesia, this phenomenon can be interpreted as reflecting a trend of population mobility driven by economic inequality and the evolution of the mining sector. Utilising Ravenstein's migration theory, this research endeavour seeks to reconstruct the social and economic history of the arrival of Nias migrants to Sihayo. The research method employed is a social history approach, which combines analysis of archival sources, interviews and direct observation in the research area. The results indicate that the influx of Nias migrants to Sihayo commenced in 1980 and exhibited a kinship pattern, characterised by gradual migration. The economic success of Nias migrants in the Sihayo area served as a catalyst for their relatives to migrate, as the scarcity of vacant land on Nias and the prevailing economic crisis impeded opportunities for their relatives to prosper on the island. Since 2006, Nias migrants who have settled in the Sihayo area have been engaged in traditional gold mining activities, driven by declining soil fertility. This transition occurred concurrently with the heightened awareness among farmers and planters of the widespread illegal mining operations in the Sihayo area since 2003, which subsequently led to a shift in livelihood strategies towards mining. The practice of gold mining in Nias is characterised by its adherence to tradition, with migrants continuing to utilise methods that have been passed down through generations. The approach involves the excavation of vertical or inclined holes in the ground, with the objective of reaching gold-bearing soil layers. The process of gold mining is comprised of a series of distinct stages. The initial phase of the process involves the excavation of the ground using a range of tools, including hoses, crowbars and shovels. Subsequently, mercury is utilised in the extraction of gold from sand and rock formations. The final stage of the panning process involves the use of simple tools, such as wooden or metal pans, to separate the gold from the other materials. Miners utilise sand and gravel, sifting these materials to extract gold grains. Moreover, the interaction between the migrant community and the local community gave rise to new social patterns in the area. The research also highlights the impact of migration on environmental change and local economic development in Sihayo. This research contributes to the study of the history of migration and mining, and provides a reference for further understanding of the social history of Nias communities in North Sumatra.