Green Development Paradox: A Study of ESG at PT IMIP and the Potential for Ecotourism Development in Morowali

Abstrak

This study examines the Green Development Paradox in the implementation of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices at PT Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP) and explores the potential for ecotourism development as a sustainable development strategy in Morowali Regency. Using a qualitative approach through in-depth interviews, field observations, and document analysis, the research finds that the implementation of ESG at PT IMIP still reveals a gap between sustainability policies and the ecological–social realities on the ground. Although the company has introduced various environmental and social programs, ecological pressures—such as declining air quality and the risk of coastal degradation—continue to be experienced by local communities, thereby generating a paradox within green development efforts. The analysis also indicates that Morowali possesses substantial ecotourism potential, particularly in coastal areas, mangrove ecosystems, and conservation zones; however, its utilization remains suboptimal due to limited policy integration between industry, local government, and community stakeholders. The study concludes that integrating ESG frameworks with community-based ecotourism development can serve as a strategy to mitigate the green development paradox while diversifying non-extractive local economic activities. This research contributes theoretically to sustainable development studies and offers practical recommendations for industry, policymakers, and future researchers to strengthen environmental governance and sustainable ecotourism within extractive industrial regions.