MEDIASI DALAM SENGKETA UMUM DILINGKUNGAN MASYARAKAT KI AGENG GRIBIG MALANG

the development initiatives currently being actively pursued by the government are frequently confronted with issues related to land acquisition. Infrastructure development, including drainage systems, represents a crucial effort to enhance environmental quality and mitigate the risk of flooding. However, these projects often give rise to public interest disputes, particularly when their impact is directly felt by the surrounding communities. In this regard, mediation has emerged as a potentially effective mechanism for resolving such conflicts. Mediation offers an opportunity for the affected parties to engage actively in the decision-making process, ensuring that their concerns are heard and taken into account in the formulation of policies. The purpose of this study is to examine the mediation procedures employed in the resolution of public interest disputes related to the management of household wastewater disposal in the Lesanpuro community in Malang, as well as to identify the challenges encountered during the mediation process of these disputes. The research methodology applied in this study is an empirical approach, utilizing a case study design, which involves field research, data collection through interviews, observations, and document analysis related to public interest disputes within the Lesanpuro community. The mediation process within the community of Jl. Ki Ageng Gribig is carried out in three stages: 1) Pre- Mediation Stage, in which the conflicting parties mutually select a third-party neutral mediator through a joint decision, ensuring that neither party is disadvantaged; 2) Mediation Stage, wherein, upon the appointment of the mediator, the parties are required to submit relevant documentation outlining the issues at hand, as well as any additional matters related to the dispute, to the mediator and the parties involved; 3) Final Mediation Stage, in which the parties, after the mediator's appointment, are again required to submit documents detailing the dispute and any associated issues to the mediator and all parties involved. Mediation serves as a valuable

alternative for resolving disputes outside the judicial system, particularly in the context of public interest conflicts. The outcomes of the mediation process are indicative of the parties’ efforts to preserve harmonious relationships and amicably resolve their disputes by jointly proposing solutions and, in good faith, settling the issues with the assistance of a neutral third party, namely the mediator. To ensure that the mediation process is effective and results in a mutually satisfactory resolution, it is imperative that mediators exhibit neutrality and professionalism. Furthermore, public interest matters, such as environmental and infrastructure-related disputes within communities, should be proactively addressed by the responsible environmental authorities at the outset, to prevent conflicts from arising or escalating.