<![CDATA[This study examines the role of participatory communication in mining governance, focusing on efforts to encourage community involvement in Bombana Regency, Indonesia. The mining sector, particularly since the gold boom in 2008, has significantly transformed the socio-economic structure of local communities while simultaneously generating complex environmental and social challenges. This research employs a qualitative approach to analyze how communication practices among government, mining companies, and local communities influence the level of public participation. The findings reveal that communication remains largely dominated by one-way information delivery, with limited opportunities for dialogic interaction. Access to information is uneven, particularly regarding technical aspects such as mining permits, environmental impact assessments, and reclamation plans. Furthermore, communication processes tend to be selective, involving only certain community representatives, thereby limiting inclusivity. In terms of empowerment, communication practices are still confined to informative functions and have not significantly contributed to enhancing community capacity. These conditions indicate that communication in mining governance is still characterized by a top-down approach, which constrains meaningful public participation. This study contributes to the literature by emphasizing the importance of participatory communication as a strategic instrument in governance, particularly in resource-rich regions. Strengthening dialogic, inclusive, and transparent communication is essential to foster substantive community involvement and improve the overall quality of mining governance.]]>
