Forests & forest fires

Down to Earth No. 47, November 2000


Mining companies are lobbying to change legislation which prohibits open-pit mining in areas designated as protected forests.

"Forest lands can only be used for development needs other than forestry in Protection and Production Forest areas . . .  No open-pit mining is permissible within Protection Forest areas." 
(Article 38, Forestry Law 41, 1999)

Indonesia's new forestry law, passed last year, prohibits open-pit mining in forests classified as 'protected forests'.

Down to Earth No. 47, November 2000

Natural resources are one of the main factors underlying the independence struggle in Aceh, but decades of plunder have left them severely depleted.

The brutal murder of the internationally known Acehnese human rights activist, Jafar Siddiq Hamzah, reminded the world in September that the northern-most tip of Sumatra remains a dangerous place. Despite a 'humanitarian pause' signed by Indonesia and Acehnese independence leaders in June this year, the murders, disappearances and torture have continued.

Down to Earth No. 45, May 2000

Indigenous communities whose forests have been plundered by logging companies are demanding compensation for the damage. Deprived of the protection they enjoyed under former President Suharto, the companies are having to take them seriously.

Down to Earth Special Issue, October 1999

The Indigenous Peoples' Congress was held only a few weeks after one hundred West Papuan representatives came to Jakarta as part of a long-awaited 'National Dialogue' to discuss the future of their homeland. President Habibie offered nothing. So it was not surprising that the Congress' Papuan contingent was in no mood for compromise. They were united in their message: 'Merdeka' - independence.

Down to Earth No 40, February 1999

Talks on the future of West Papua are planned early this year. But just what will be on the agenda, when exactly it will be and who will attend is still unclear.

Down to Earth No. 38, August 1998

Just four months ago Bob Hasan was one of Indonesia's main power-brokers as President Suharto's right-hand man. But now that his benefactor and partner-in-greed has been forced out, Indonesia's top timber baron is being called to account.

Since the fall of Suharto, Bob Hasan's fortunes have been on the decline.

Down to Earth No. 38 August 1998