<![CDATA[This study aims to analyze community beliefs and the conflicts arising from the opening of gold mining land in Nagari Kajai, West Pasaman Regency. The research employed a qualitative descriptive approach. Informants were selected through purposive sampling and consisted of the village head, traditional leaders (niniak mamak), landowners, miners, community members, and youth leaders. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, and were analyzed using data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings reveal that differences in community beliefs regarding ancestral land (tanah pusako) and economic interests have created both support and opposition toward gold mining activities. Conflicts are further driven by the absence of clear written regulations governing profit-sharing and land ownership, leading to misunderstandings, suspicion, and disputes among community members. The novelty of this study lies in revealing the interrelationship between the Minangkabau indigenous belief system, the management of ancestral land, and profit-sharing mechanisms as the primary factors shaping local social conflicts. The study contributes empirically by highlighting the importance of developing mining governance based on customary values, deliberation, and legal certainty to minimize conflicts and strengthen social harmony. Based on Karl Marx’s conflict theory, these conflicts arise from competition over economic resources and differences in interests among social groups.]]>
