P048 Mahakam in Islamic Ecology: Integration of Environmental, Social, and Cultural Laws for Sustainable River Management

Abstract

The Mahakam River is the lifeblood of the East Kalimantan community. Economically, the river supports the activities of fishermen, transportation, and the main mobility for coal mining transporters. Socioculturally, the Mahakam River serves as a space for community identity, a place for traditional rituals, and a source of local wisdom passed down thru generations. However, the intensification of economic utilization and industrial activities exerts serious pressure on the endemic habitats in the Mahakam River, including the Mahakam dolphin, which is a freshwater endemic species now classified as Critically Endangered. This research aims to examine the management model of the Mahakam River by integrating three pillars: national environmental law, local socio-cultural values, and Islamic Ecology principles. The method used is a qualitative-descriptive approach thru literature study, field observations in the upstream-downstream areas of the Mahakam River, and interviews with fishermen, customary leaders, and religious scholars in East Kalimantan. Data were analyzed using the maqashid syariah framework, particularly the principles of hifzh al-bi’ah and the prohibition of israf and dharar. The study results show that the conflict between human economic needs and environmental and ecosystem sustainability arises due to weak policy synergy, with river regulations being centralistic while regions still lack comprehensive regulations. On the other hand, there is local wisdom that, in terms of values, has the spirit to preserve rivers, and Islam emphasizes humans as khalifah fil ard who are responsible for maintaining the balance of nature. Therefore, the sustainability of the Mahakam River can only be realized thrugh the integration of positive law, customary law, and Islamic law to build a sustainable Islamic Ecological River Governance.

Keywords: Islamic Ecology, Rivers, Mahakam, Local Wisdom