Satu Indonesia Bersama Aleta Baun, Pejuang Lingkungan Hidup dari Timor

Summary

Aleta Baun, a resilient environmental activist from NTT, has dedicated her life to protecting the environment and fighting for human rights. After years of resisting marble mining operations in her region, she successfully led a movement to shut down several mines. Her activism has earned her numerous global accolades, including the Goldman Environmental Prize. Throughout her journey, Aleta faced threats and violence but remained unwavering in her mission to preserve the land and empower local communities. Her leadership extends to political involvement, where she continues to advocate for sustainable development and environmental justice.

Takeaways

• 😀 Aleta Baun, a woman from NTT, has fought for environmental protection since 1996, notably against marble mining in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia.
• 😀 Aleta’s activism has been marked by significant personal risks, including death threats, physical violence, and months of hiding in the forest.
• 😀 She led a successful movement to close five marble mining operations, demonstrating the power of grassroots environmental activism.
• 😀 Aleta’s philosophy aligns with her community's view of the earth as a living being, with mountains as bones, water as blood, and forests as veins that must be protected.
• 😀 She believes that the struggle to protect nature is inseparable from the fight to uphold human rights, especially for indigenous communities who rely on the land for survival.
• 😀 Aleta received global recognition for her work, including the Goldman Environmental Prize in 2013, highlighting her dedication to both environmental and human rights activism.
• 😀 The story of her activism is intertwined with her identity as a woman, as she frequently highlights the unique impacts environmental degradation has on women, particularly in rural communities.
• 😀 Despite the patriarchal society in her region, Aleta emerged as a powerful female leader, organizing women to protest and protect their ancestral lands from corporate exploitation.
• 😀 Her commitment to protecting the environment is paired with a deep respect for indigenous traditions, blending modern activism with cultural heritage.
• 😀 In addition to her activism, Aleta entered politics as a member of the NTT Provincial Parliament, where she continued to advocate for sustainable policies and indigenous rights.

Q & A

Who is Aleta Baun and what is her significance in environmental activism?

Aleta Baun is a female environmental activist from East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Indonesia, known for her dedication to preserving the environment and indigenous land. She fought against marble mining operations in the region, helping to close five marble mining sites and advocating for the protection of traditional forests. Her efforts have garnered international recognition, including the Goldman Environmental Prize in 2013.

What motivated Aleta Baun to start her environmental activism?

Aleta Baun was motivated by the environmental destruction caused by marble mining companies that encroached on indigenous lands. She believed that preserving the forest was crucial not only for the environment but also for the survival and well-being of the local people who relied on the land for sustenance.

How did Aleta Baun organize her community to fight against mining operations?

Aleta mobilized the local women to participate in the fight by engaging them in weaving as a form of protest against the mining activities. She emphasized the importance of preserving the earth, comparing it to humans needing clothing, and asked people not to 'strip' the earth of its resources.

What personal sacrifices did Aleta Baun make in her fight for the environment?

Aleta Baun faced numerous threats, including physical violence, death threats, and imprisonment. She was also forced to go into hiding for months, often sleeping in caves and facing extreme hardships, all while caring for her infant child.

What is the connection between environmental protection and human rights, according to Aleta Baun?

Aleta Baun argues that environmental protection is inherently linked to human rights because the land, water, and forests are essential for sustaining life. When these resources are taken or destroyed, it directly violates people's rights to food, water, and shelter.

How did Aleta Baun overcome the gender barriers in her activism, especially in a patriarchal society?

Aleta Baun, despite coming from a marginalized background as a woman in a patriarchal society, proved herself as a capable leader. She overcame gender barriers by organizing and inspiring other women, showing that women have a crucial role in environmental protection and community leadership.

What role did traditional philosophy play in Aleta Baun's environmental activism?

Aleta Baun's activism was deeply rooted in her community's traditional philosophy, where the earth, water, trees, and stones are considered sacred and interconnected, much like parts of the human body. This belief system guided her in the fight to protect indigenous lands and preserve the natural environment.

Why does Aleta Baun reject the idea of turning the protected areas into national parks?

Aleta Baun believes that the land should be returned to the indigenous people rather than being designated as national parks. She argues that the local communities should have control over their ancestral lands, as they are the stewards of the land and understand its significance better than outsiders.

What strategies does Aleta Baun use to ensure the continuity of her environmental mission?

Aleta Baun ensures the continuity of her mission by educating and mentoring the younger generation. She is working with UGM (Gadjah Mada University) to establish an indigenous school that teaches traditional knowledge and the importance of protecting the environment, ensuring that future leaders will carry on her legacy.

What was Aleta Baun’s experience with politics, and why did she become involved in it?

Aleta Baun initially did not want to get involved in politics, as she believed it was full of empty promises. However, after being encouraged by political figures and seeing a lack of action on environmental issues, she decided to enter politics. She used her position as a member of the regional parliament to push for policies that would protect the environment and the rights of indigenous people.