TUJUH BUKIT - Episode #06 Ekspedisi Indonesia Baru

Summary

This documentary script delves into the environmental and social impacts of gold mining in Banyuwangi, Indonesia. It follows a team documenting the struggles of local communities, particularly fishermen, against large mining companies like PT Merdeka Copper Gold. The script highlights the severe damage to ecosystems, including sedimentation affecting coral reefs and fish habitats, and the criminalization of activists like Budi Pego. Tensions rise as the mining industry threatens both natural resources and local livelihoods. The narrative also reflects broader resistance against exploitation, illustrating the fight for environmental justice and the preservation of Indonesia's natural heritage.

Takeaways

• 😀 The team travels across Indonesia, documenting environmental issues and local communities affected by modern retail development and gold mining.
• 😀 In Banyuwangi, the focus is on the detrimental effects of gold mining in the Tumpang Pitu area, where environmental degradation is affecting local livelihoods.
• 😀 The documentary highlights the struggles of local fishermen who are witnessing a decline in fish catches due to sedimentation from mining activities.
• 😀 The team collaborates with a local organization called Arupa, which helps maintain a balance between economic needs and environmental preservation around the Alas Purwo National Park.
• 😀 The mining activities in Banyuwangi have significantly damaged the Tumpang Pitu mountain range, with severe erosion and deforestation, further impacting the surrounding ecosystem.
• 😀 Fishermen report a dramatic drop in daily fish catches, from hundreds of tons to less than a ton a day, linked directly to mining-induced environmental changes.
• 😀 The conflict over the Tumpang Pitu gold mine involves powerful interests, including government officials and influential businessmen from Jakarta.
• 😀 A local activist, Budi Pego, faced criminal charges for opposing the gold mine, highlighting the use of legal and political power to suppress opposition to mining projects.
• 😀 The government has been distributing mining concessions to religious organizations, raising concerns over potential conflicts of interest and further exploitation of natural resources.
• 😀 In Trenggalek, local communities from various religious groups have united to oppose gold mining projects, emphasizing the importance of protecting their environment and heritage from exploitation.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the documentary described in the transcript?

The central theme of the documentary revolves around the environmental destruction caused by gold mining in Indonesia, particularly in regions like Tumpang Pitu, and the local community's struggle against these activities. It also highlights the social injustices and political corruption tied to the mining industry.

How does the gold mining activity in Tumpang Pitu affect the local environment?

The gold mining activity in Tumpang Pitu has caused significant environmental damage, including the destruction of mountains, forests, and coral reefs. Additionally, sedimentation from the mining operations has negatively impacted fisheries, forcing local fishermen to travel farther to fish, and harming the local ecosystem.

What role does Budi Pego play in the story, and what happened to him?

Budi Pego was an activist who opposed the gold mining activities in Banyuwangi. He was wrongfully accused of promoting communism after a protest, leading to his arrest. Initially sentenced to 10 months in prison, his sentence was later increased to 4 years. Despite this, his case was delayed, and he continued his normal activities until he was eventually arrested in 2023.

What is the significance of the 'Ekspedisi Indonesia Baru' mentioned in the script?

'Ekspedisi Indonesia Baru' (New Indonesia Expedition) is a film project that documents the journey of the filmmakers as they travel across Indonesia, uncovering the impacts of various environmental and social issues, especially focusing on the gold mining industry and its consequences on local communities.

What does the film reveal about the relationship between the government, corporations, and local communities?

The film exposes the close relationship between government officials, corporate entities like PT Merdeka Copper Gold, and the exploitation of local communities. It highlights how political elites and corporations work together to further mining interests at the expense of local populations, whose environment and livelihoods are damaged.

What challenges did local fishermen face due to the mining operations?

Local fishermen in the Banyuwangi area were severely affected by the mining operations, as the sedimentation caused by mining runoff covered coral reefs and disrupted fish habitats. As a result, fishermen had to travel farther from the coast to catch fish, leading to a decrease in their daily catch.

How does the documentary highlight community resistance to the gold mining activities?

The documentary showcases various instances of local community resistance to gold mining, such as in Trenggalek, where groups from different religious backgrounds, including NU, Muhammadiyah, and local Christian communities, unite to oppose the destruction of their land. The film emphasizes their collective efforts to protect their environment and resources from exploitation.

What impact did the mining have on the local economy, particularly in terms of fishery income?

The mining activities led to a sharp decline in the local fishery income. Before the mining, fishermen were able to catch hundreds of tons of fish per day, but after the mining operations began, their daily catch decreased to less than 1 ton, causing significant financial hardship for the community.

How did the mining company PT Merdeka Copper Gold respond to local opposition?

PT Merdeka Copper Gold, the mining company, continued its operations despite strong local opposition. The company sought to expand its mining activities into areas like Gunung Salakan, which are still pristine. The company has been involved in legal and political maneuvers to suppress resistance and maintain control over mining rights.

What is the significance of the role of religious organizations in the resistance against mining in Trenggalek?

Religious organizations, including NU, Muhammadiyah, and Christian groups, played a crucial role in uniting the local community against the gold mining activities in Trenggalek. Their involvement is significant as it demonstrates a broad-based, interfaith coalition fighting to protect the land and environment from exploitation.