If half of Jakarta was levelled, then a palm oil plantation was built, it would immediately make the news and many people would oppose it. Jakarta residents would refuse to leave.
But, if it happened in eastern Indonesia, would people care?
In Boven Digul, Papua, 36,000 hectares of forest, more than half the size of Jakarta, will be cleared. PT Indo Asiana Lestari will build an oil palm plantation.
The indigenous people of the Woro Clan and Awyu Tribe clearly reject this. The customary forest where they have lived for generations will be lost. As well as their source of livelihood, food, culture, and water sources.
Accompanied by the Coalition to Save Papua’s Indigenous Forests, the Woro Clan and Awyu Tribe sued PT Indo Asiana Lestari’s oil palm plantation environmental permit.
Of course, it’s not easy. Indigenous people are fighting the company. They don’t have the funds or resources of big companies. But it’s the only way to defend their land and culture.
I met Mr Hendrikus ‘Franky’ Woro, leader of the Woro clan – part of the Awyu tribe. He told me how they fought for their land that was taken from them. They have to travel long, complicated and expensive distances to court in Jayapura, the capital of Papua Province.
From their home, they take a motorbike, through the red dirt. It is more dangerous because it is traversed by large timber trucks. They then travelled by boat, then by car to the capital city of Boven Digul, and by plane to Jayapura to attend the trial. In total, they spent 7 hours and 10 million for one trip, just for one person.
Unfortunately, after going through that process, they lost the lawsuit in court. Currently, the process is being taken to the Supreme Court. This is the last hope for them.
Therefore, through this petition, I ask the Supreme Court to revoke the environmental permit of PT Indo Asiana Lestari, issued by the Papua Province Investment Office.
In addition to potentially eliminating natural forests, this oil palm plantation project, also produces 25 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. This is equivalent to contributing 5% of the 2030 carbon emission level. The impact is not only for Papuans, but also for us and the rest of the world.
Let’s support the struggle of Kak Franky, and the Woro Clan and Awyu Tribe, friends.
Support and spread this petition.
