(Unofficial translation provided by BHRC)

"People Affected by IHIP Nickel Industrial Estate Project Protest in Morowali", 5 July 2024, Mongabay

The construction project of the nickel industrial estate, PT Indonesia Huabao Industrial Park (IHIP) in West Bungku District, Morowali, Central Sulawesi (Central Sulawesi) is tainted with agrarian conflicts. Four residents were dealing with the law because of the road blockade to stop the company's activities.

[...] on March 11, 2024, residents of Tondo and Topogaro Villages blockade roads that the company unilaterally claims as the company's hauling road. Residents were furious and built tents in the middle of the road to stop production activities.

[...] the road is the main access for the community to their land, such as coffee, cocoa, and rice fields. The road also leads to the cultural site, Topogaro Cave.

Instead of answering the demands of the community, [...], IHIP instead summoned the mobilizers of the blockade. The first summons was given to four residents of Tondo and Topogaro Villages for the action on June 11 [...]. The four people were also reported to the Central Sulawesi Police.

[...] IHIP also made a second summons to five residents of Ambunu Village for the blockade and blockade actions that resulted in the cessation of the company's activities on June 15. [...].

"So, there were 9 people issued warning letters by IHIP, four were reported to the Central Sulawesi Police."

Cipto Rustianto, External Manager of IHIP denied all the accusations of the community. The company, he said, is the result of coordination and approval of the central and regional governments, in accordance with applicable regulations.

He claimed that he had never encroached on the community's farming roads, and was ready to prove it with data and facts.

Cipto also denied criminalizing residents. He said the accusations of criminalization were unfounded. So far, they are committed to protecting the interests of the community in economic activities in accordance with applicable law.