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BRIK - a flawed approach

Down to Earth No 60  February 2004


Indonesia's forestry industry is becoming aware that consumers in Europe and North America want assurances that timber products are not imported at the cost of rainforest destruction.

In brief... DTE 60 - February 2004

 

Fatal chemical explosion, East Java

WALHI East Java has called for a halt to production and an investigation into PT Petrowidada following an explosion at the company's chemical plant on January 20 which resulted in two dead, 50 others severely injured, and dozens evacuated from the surrounding area. A joint investigation by WALHI East Java and other local groups has documented several past explosions.

AMAN and the Second AMAN Congress

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.

Indigenous Peoples and Protected Areas - Gains at the global level

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".

Stepwise approach to certification raises questions

Down to Earth No 59  November 2003


What does 'good practice' in timber certification really mean?

"Greenwashed Indonesian Wood Hits U.S. Market" was the headline of the Rainforest Action Network's press release when the first shipment of meranti from a 'good practice' pilot project sanctioned by WWF arrived in August. This tropical hardwood had come from PT Suka Jaya Makmur (SJM), part of the Alas Kusuma Group, which owns a plymill and concession in the Ketapang district of West Kalimantan.

War and food security in Aceh

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.

All-out campaign to stop mining in protected forests

Down to Earth No 58  August 2003


Indonesia is being pushed by powerful mining multinationals to open up protected forests for mining, but the international campaign to prevent yet more forest destruction is gaining momentum.

A final decision on whether or not companies can mine in Indonesia's protected forests - putting at risk some of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world - is expected to be issued by Indonesia's parliament soon.

An Indonesian NGO coalition, led by mining advocacy network, JATAM, is campaigning to ma