Tin Mining in Bangka Belitung Islands and Its Impact on the Reputation of Geographical Indication: A Policymakers Perspective

Abstract

Abstract The Bangka Belitung Islands are known as one of the best white pepper producing areas in the world which is normatively recognized as a geographical indication. One of the factors in the recognition of white pepper as a geographical indication is the environmental factor in this area which causes the taste to be distinctive and different from white pepper from other regions. On the other hand, tin mining is happening massively, one of which is turning pepper plantations into mining areas. This study uses empirical juridical methods, linking the consequences of tin mining to the reputation of white pepper as a geographical indication from the perspective of policy makers in the mining sector. The data used are primary data obtained from interviews as well as secondary data obtained from literature study data on a number of documents. From the results of the study conducted, it was found that most policy makers were of the opinion that uncontrolled tin mining had an effect on the reputation of white pepper, because many pepper plantations had turned into mining areas. Juridically, if this condition is allowed, it will threaten the reputation of white pepper as a geographical indication.