Study of Socio-Economic-Cultural Impacts and Community Health Due to Oil and Natural Gas Exploration Activities in the Tuban Oil and Gas Field

This research is a social study that captures several problems in the oil and gas sector combined with literature studies that have relevant themes. This study aimed to determine the social, economic, cultural, and health impacts of the oil and gas company’s exploration activities in the Tuban Oil and Gas Field. Primary and secondary data were collected in the second half (semester II) of 2018. The methods used in this study were qualitative and quantitative. The qualitative methods used for the primary data acquisition were observation and interviews. Primary data were obtained through direct observation and interviews with respondents selected by purposive sampling. The quantitative method was used to obtain secondary data from research documents and reports relating to government agencies and companies. The primary and secondary data were combined, and interviews using the focus group discussion method were conducted for comprehensive information. The final data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. Based on the results, there are jobs available for local workers, but the information is not publicly shared and most of the jobs are temporary or project-based. Most people know and feel the benefits of the presence of oil and gas companies in their area. The community expects the company’s efforts to reduce people’s concerns about oil and gas activities. Conflicts often occur due to delays in the disbursement of compensation funds, the implementation of CSR, and the direct impacts of several oil and gas company activities on the community. The company’s efforts to boost the local economy are by increasing employment opportunities and incomes. Meanwhile, in terms of public health, the correlation between the reported diseases and the activities of oil and gas companies cannot be definitively determined. In general, oil and gas companies have positive impacts on the community around their working areas. ©2023 by the authors.