More about Down to Earth...
Indonesia is rich in many ways. Its population of over 200 million comprises many ethnic groups and cultures. It has the third largest area of tropical rainforest on earth and substantial reserves of oil, natural gas, gold, copper and other minerals. Its 17,000 islands are surrounded by coral reefs and marine life. Yet most of Indonesia’s people are poor.
"They say the factory benefits local people but we can't even drink the water anymore"
(Local people affected by the PT IIU paper pulp and rayon plant)
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For decades, Indonesia’s military regime - supported by Northern governments, international aid programmes and foreign companies - encouraged economic growth at the expense of sustainable local livelihoods and the environment. Forests have been destroyed and seas, rivers and lands polluted in the name of development. Communities have been pushed off their land and denied access to forests, fisheries and farmland to make way for large-scale forestry, plantation, mining and energy schemes. Only a small, rich elite and international investors benefited.
"We are questioning whether this is development for you or development
for us."
(Indigenous Mentawai Islander)
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Indonesia is going through dramatic political and economic changes. A fledgling democracy faces financial crisis, a huge debt burden and widespread poverty. The new government is under international pressure to step up the exploitation of the country’s natural wealth to solve its economic problems. Many Indonesian laws, regulations and official policies still deprive ordinary people of land and access to natural resources.
Down to Earth works with Indonesian community groups and NGOs which are striving to promote democracy, social justice and the sustainable use of natural resources. It acts as a two-way communication channel through
- Monitoring Indonesian sources of news and information;
- Visiting Indonesian community groups and discussing their problems and demands;
- Attending NGO meetings in Europe and Indonesia;
- Providing information in English to the media, international NGOs and decision-makers;
- Supporting Indonesian civil society groups with information for their advocacy efforts;
- Putting pressure on governments, businesses and financial institutions to listen to and respect the rights of Indonesia’s rural and indigenous peoples.
"The first we knew about the project was when the bulldozers moved in."
(Kelian people affected by PT KEM's gold mine)
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We speak and write Indonesian and English
Please note: DTE is not a translation service or funding agency.
email:
dtecampaign@gn.apc.org OR dte@gn.apc.org
phone/fax: 01508 471413 or 0171 7327984
from outside UK: +44 1508 471413/ +44 171 7327984
DTE is a project of APPEN - the Asia-Pacific People's Environment Network