UCA News
Contribute

Indonesian islanders win fight against mining firm

Govt revokes license to Chinese company after courts side with Bangka Island residents claim the mine was illegal
Indonesian islanders win fight against mining firm

Mikgro Metal Premium has had its mining license to extract iron ore from Bangka Island revoked for flouting an Indonesian law banning mining on islands smaller than 200,000 hectares. (Photo supplied)

Published: April 05, 2017 08:34 AM GMT
Updated: April 05, 2017 09:53 AM GMT

Indigenous people on a small Christian majority island in Indonesia’s North Sulawesi province are claiming victory after the government revoked a Chinese company’s mining license.

Ignasius Jonan, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, the only Catholic minister in President Joko Widodo’s cabinet, recently revoked the license of Mikgro Metal Premium (MMP), which wanted to mine for iron ore on Bangka Island.

The revocation followed the end of a legal battle begun by the Kauku, the island’s indigenous population, who claimed the mining operation was illegal.

Opposition to the mine, which covered almost half the total area of the island, began as soon as the firm obtained a license in 2014.

The islanders filed a lawsuit in which they claimed the mine violated Indonesia’s 2007 Law on Management of Coastal Areas and Small Islands, which forbids mining on islands under 200,000 hectares.

Bangka Island is less than 5,000 hectares.

The lower courts and the Supreme Court all ruled in favor of the islanders.

Merah Johansyah, coordinator of Mining Advocacy Network (JATAM) who assisted the Bangka people said the license revocation was the fruit of the community’s hard struggle.

"Although the company has not yet started mining the ore, building facilities to prepare for the production process had caused environmental damage," he said.

Forest areas have been damaged, while “land has been cleared, mangroves have been buried and coral reefs destroyed to build roads, a port and warehouses," Johansyah told ucanews.com.

Maria Taramen, from Nature Lovers Group, a local NGO on Bangka said the company’s presence severely disrupted people’s lives.

"Many families were fighting with each other because of differing opinions about the mine," she said.

Ulva Novita Take, a resident of Lihunu, a village on the island, said the whole operation was threatening the livelihood of fishing communities.

"It was a threat to coral reefs and marine life, and we depend on that," he said

The island has a population of about 2,400 people with 70 percent being Protestant.

According to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Indonesia has issued 9,721 mining licenses.

However, JATAM says about 1,890 of them are in violation of the law because they are on small islands under 200,000 hectares.

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia