DTE letter to UK press on the visit of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono

 

 

Sir,

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono visits the UK this week. Indonesia has made strides towards democracy since the 1998 fall of Suharto and UK companies are increasing their investments in its burgeoning market. However human rights violations continue to abound in Papua where the right to freedom of expression is not upheld. Over 60 violations including stabbings and fatal shootings have taken place this year alone. Some of the problems are exacerbated by the State's emphasis on its  economic masterplan MP3EI which is bringing in investors, but at the same time causing environmental destruction and conflict as they threaten the rights of indigenous peoples to their land, livelihoods and natural resources, as well as adding to the causes of climate change.  UK business investment policies should respect Indonesian civil society calls for climate justice and the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities. A visit by a UK delegation of parliamentarians to Indonesia in general and Papua in particular would demonstrate that the UK government takes these matters seriously and DTE  encourages the Government of Indonesia to facilitate such a visit.

 

Catherine Scott

Down to Earth

Campaign for Ecological Justice in Indonesia