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Down to Earth No 59  November 2003


By Idham Kurniawan* In March this year, a new regional organisation for Indigenous Peoples on Java was established - Paguyuban Masyarakat Adat Pulau Java, or PAMA PUJA.

When we talk about Indigenous Peoples, many people immediately think of people who live in remote areas on islands outside Java, such as Kalimantan and Papua. They think that on Java, there are no longer peoples who live according to traditional values and who hold on firmly to theiradat (customary) way of life.

Down to Earth No 59  November 2003


A notorious dam project, designed during the Suharto era, is due to go ahead next year despite opposition from local people and NGOs supporting them.

The Jatigede dam, in Sumedang, West Java, is being billed as the answer to flooding and drought problems in the northern lowlands of West Java. The government claims it will provide 90,000 hectares of farmland with irrigated water, increase the rice harvest as well as generate electricity for industry and supply clean drinking water for residents.

Down to Earth No 59 November 2003


A massive landslide at Freeport/Rio Tinto's huge Grasberg copper and gold mine in West Papua, which killed eight people and injured another five, has sparked angry protests.

The fatal accident happened early on October 9th, when part of the southern wall of the vast open-pit mine collapsed, and 2.3 million tonnes of rock and mud crashed down, engulfing mineworkers and heavy machinery.

Down to Earth No 59  November 2003


An interview with Rukka Sombolinggi, from the indigenous people of Toraja in South Sulawesi, works for AMAN's secretariat in Jakarta as campaign co-ordinator. She helped organise the second AMAN Congress.

 

What were the main achievements of the second AMAN Congress?

There were five main aims of the Second AMAN Congress.

Down to Earth No 59  November 2003

Indigenous peoples made important gains at the fifth World Parks Congress (WPC) held in Durban, South Africa, 8-17 September 2003. Over 130 indigenous peoples' representatives attended this major event, organised by the IUCN, which gathers together all the major conservation organisations every ten years.

A statement issued by indigenous peoples at this year's congress highlighted the fact that their internationally recognised rights have been "systematically violated in protected areas, including the right to life".

Down to Earth No 59  November 2003


Further blow to draft NRM bill

A coalition of civil society groups protested over Nabiel Makarim's controversial remarks in September, which were dismissive about the existing draft for a new natural resources management (NRM) bill.

Down to Earth No 58  August 2003


Aceh's civilian population is being worst affected by the war in Aceh. The threat of famine looms as food security is severely undermined by the conflict.

Indonesia launched its all-out war in Aceh after declaring martial law on May 19th, following the breakdown of the most promising peace initiative for many years. With 50,000 troops due to be sent to the territory, this is Indonesia's biggest military operation in Aceh - and its biggest operation anywhere since the invasion of East Timor in 1974.