Proyek Pembangunan Kawasan Industri Hijau Indonesia di Tanah Kuning Bulungan Jadi Sorotan LSM SETARA

Summary

A civil society coalition in North Kalimantan held a discussion in Bulungan on July 15, 2024, addressing the National Strategic Development (PSN) issues in the Tanjung Palas Utara area. The discussion highlighted concerns about the Green Industrial Area in Kampung Baru, particularly its impact on local communities, including land compensation issues and the loss of livelihoods for fishermen and farmers. Local fishermen reported damages to their fishing nets caused by company vessels, with little accountability from the companies involved. The session aimed to raise awareness and advocate for fair compensation and justice for affected residents.

Takeaways

• 😀 A civil society coalition, 'Save North Kalimantan' (Setara), held a discussion with media representatives in Bulungan, North Kalimantan on July 15, 2024.
• 😀 The discussion focused on issues related to the National Strategic Development Project (PSN) in the Tanjung Palas Utara region, particularly the Green Industrial Park project.
• 😀 The event was attended by representatives from organizations such as Nugal Institute, Lingkar Hutan Lestari, and Greenpeace Indonesia.
• 😀 One of the key concerns raised was the significant drop in land prices (NJOP) around the industrial park, from IDR 50,000 per square meter to just IDR 6,000 per square meter.
• 😀 Local fishermen reported damage to their fishing equipment, with several bagans (fishing platforms) being destroyed by ships from PT Kalimantan Industrial Park Indonesia (KIPI).
• 😀 Local residents, like Hamzah, shared their struggles to get the company to take responsibility for damages caused by its ships.
• 😀 Despite reporting damage to authorities, fishermen like Hamzah are unable to get justice due to lack of witnesses or support from the company.
• 😀 The Green Industrial Park project is seen as a potential economic boon for the region but has led to increased tensions with local communities who feel neglected.
• 😀 Local livelihoods, especially fishing, are being severely impacted, as fishing catches from local waters are being replaced by fish brought in from other regions.
• 😀 The number of fishing bagans in Kampung Baru has drastically decreased from 100 to just 30, highlighting the negative impact on the local fishing industry.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the discussion held by the civil society coalition in Bulungan?

The main focus of the discussion was the development of the National Strategic Project (PSN) in Tanjung Palas Utara, Bulungan, and its impact on local communities, particularly regarding the green industrial park project.

What concerns did local residents express regarding the green industrial park in Kampung Baru?

Local residents expressed concerns about the decreasing value of land due to the industrial development, the loss of livelihoods for fishermen and farmers, and the lack of accountability from the companies involved in the project.

What is the impact of the Kalimantan Industrial Park Indonesia (KIPI) on land prices in Kampung Baru?

The land value in Kampung Baru has significantly decreased due to the industrial park development. The Land Value Tax (NJOP) dropped from IDR 50,000 per square meter to IDR 6,000 per square meter in 2023, leading to financial distress for local landowners.

How has the industrial project affected local fishermen in the area?

Local fishermen have been negatively impacted by industrial vessels, which have destroyed their fishing equipment, including fishing nets and boats. As a result, their sources of income have been disrupted, and they have faced difficulty in getting compensation or accountability.

Can you describe the incident involving Hamzah, a local fisherman, and the industrial company?

Hamzah reported that his fishing net was damaged by a vessel owned by PT KIPI. Despite reporting the incident to authorities, no action was taken due to the lack of eyewitnesses, though Hamzah claimed there was evidence, such as orange paint marks on the damaged equipment, to support his case.

What is the current state of fishing nets in Kampung Baru?

Out of approximately 100 fishing nets previously owned by local fishermen in Kampung Baru, only 30 remain operational. This reduction in the number of fishing nets highlights the severe impact of industrial activities on the local fishing industry.

What is the role of the civil society coalition in this issue?

The civil society coalition, Selamatkan Kalimantan Utara (Save North Kalimantan), is working to raise awareness about the negative impacts of industrial development on local communities and advocating for justice and accountability for the affected residents.

What organizations were involved in the discussion about the green industrial park?

The discussion featured representatives from several organizations, including Lugal Institute, Lingkar Hutan Lestari, Greenpeace Indonesia, and other local NGOs that are concerned with environmental and community welfare.

How have local authorities responded to the complaints from residents and fishermen?

Local authorities have struggled to take action on the complaints due to a lack of concrete evidence or eyewitnesses in the incidents involving the destruction of fishing equipment. This has led to frustration among the affected residents, who are seeking justice and accountability.

What is the broader goal of the civil society coalition's efforts?

The broader goal of the civil society coalition is to ensure that the development of the green industrial park is carried out responsibly, with consideration for the rights and livelihoods of local communities, and to hold the companies involved accountable for the harm caused.