farmers protest UGM project
Fadli and Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post 23 Jul 08;
Authorities in Karimun regency, Riau Islands, have revoked the operation permits of seven sand export companies, saying mining activities severely harmed the area's environment and fishing conditions.
Karimun Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Djoko Rudi told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday the police had asked Karimun Regent Nurdin Basirun to make a decision in compliance with the 2002 government ban on sand mining across the Riau archipelago.
The government has banned sea sand excavation after finding it severely damaged the marine ecosystem and led to sand smuggling overseas, especially to Singapore, where its price is higher.
"We have sealed off the seven companies operating in Karimun and asked the regent to cancel their permits," said Djoko.
According to Djoko, Nurdin issued licenses to the seven companies several months ago. However, it was unclear the volume of sand they mined.
"The issuance of the licenses was intended for local sand demand. We have told them it was illegal. Only mining land sand is permissible," said Djoko.
Police, added Djoko, had also referred to the trade ministerial decree on the banning of sand, soil and top soil export issued Jan. 22 and put into effect Feb. 6, 2007.
According to the ordinance, sea and land sand are banned for export; however, the potential of sea sand export overseas is greater than land sand.
Djoko said police had mobilized the Riau Islands water police unit, based on Kundur Island, to conduct surveillance to prevent sand smuggling, especially to Singapore.
"The Indonesian Military (TNI) is also equipped with patrol boats to counter sand smuggling," said Djoko.
According to data from the Riau Sand Exporters Association (Hipepari), sand shipments from Riau Islands to Singapore reach 300,000 tons annually, compared to 100,000 tons for the domestic market.
Singapore has grown from its size in 2000 thanks to the rush of sand imported from the islands partly through the black market. The illegal sand business in the province has reportedly involved politicians from Jakarta and military officials.
Elsewhere, a group farmers in Kulonprogo, Yogyakarta, opposed a planned land reclamation project involving the prestigious Gadjah Mada University (UGM) and a private company, saying it would affect their farmland.
More than 1,000 coastal farmers on Monday demanded (UGM) rector Sudjarwadi sign an agreement not to be involved in any form of cooperation with sand mining activities.
The farmers, from 11 villages along the coast of Kulonprogo, arrived at UGM at around 9:30 a.m. by truck, car and motorcycle after learning that UGM's forestry school would be involved in scientific studies by working with an investor, PT Jogja Magasa Mining, and the Kulonprogo regency administration in a reclamation project valued at Rp 1.2 billion (approximately US$133,300).
UGM is slated to conduct research on the coastal area after the reclamation project has been completed.
"We will reject the plan at all cost and oppose anyone involved to our last drop of blood. Even if we have to wage a war, I'm ready to die," said protest coordinator Tukijo.
Tukijo said sand mining would have an adverse impact on the environment, especially on the local community, because more than 6,000 families depend on farming on the disputed 100-hectare plot of sandy soil.
"More than 30,000 lives eke a living from growing vegetables and side crops on the coastal farmland. What would we eat if the sand was mined?" Tukijo said.
The sand mining project, which commenced in 2005, would be carried out on a coastal area stretching 25 kilometers long, 1.8 km wide and 14.5 meters deep.
"Thousands of homes would be evicted. Where would we stay? Even if they relocated us, what would we do for a living?
"It could resemble the Lapindo devastation. We will lose our homes and livelihoods as well," a protester, Tukimin, said.
