Dozens of residents in North Sumatra, Indonesia are concerned that a Chinese company’s mining activities may affect farmers’ livelihoods. On Tuesday (June 11), they gathered in front of the Chinese Embassy in Indonesia to protest and demand the cancellation of the development project. They carried agricultural crops and staged a theatrical performance as part of their demonstration.
According to reports from the Central News Agency, dozens of residents from Dairi Regency in North Sumatra and the non-governmental organization Diakonia Pelangi Kasih Foundation (YDPK) demonstrated in front of the Chinese Embassy in the southern part of Jakarta on Tuesday afternoon. They raised banners, waved flags, and residents carried agricultural crops to portray a theatrical performance mocking the impact of Chinese mining companies on farmers’ livelihoods in the area.
Rainim Purba, a resident of Dairi Regency wearing traditional clothing, told the Central News Agency that she went to the Chinese Embassy to express disappointment towards the Chinese enterprise’s support for the mining project of Dairi Prima Mineral in Indonesia. She and other residents are concerned that mining will cause significant environmental damage, potentially pollute water sources affecting agriculture, and disrupt residents’ daily lives. They are calling for China and the Indonesian government to stop supporting the mining project.
“We have lived in Dairi Regency for generations, and we are concerned that mining will threaten our lives and our farmlands. That’s why we are here today to speak out, to address the Chinese Embassy, and to let the Chinese people in Indonesia know about our concerns,” she said.
Monica Siregar, a spokesperson for the Diakonia Pelangi Kasih Foundation, stated that the frequent occurrence of natural disasters in the region makes it unsuitable for mining. Many experts have advised against mining in the area, stating that if the mine is operational, it would be a disaster.
She mentioned that local residents have filed complaints against the government granting development permits and have submitted the case to the Supreme Court.
YDPK quoted an official announcement from China Nonferrous Metal Construction Company stating that Dairi Prima Mineral obtained a guarantee from its parent company, China Nonferrous Metal Construction, and received a $245 million loan on April 27.
Monica criticized the Indonesian government and Chinese companies for continuing to push forward with the mining project despite ample evidence indicating harm to the people. She demanded a response from the Chinese government regarding the financing of this development project and called for the cessation of the local mining plan.
After the theatrical performance, the protesters attempted to hand over relevant documents outlining their demands to the personnel at the Chinese Embassy but were unsuccessful, resulting in several confrontations with security guards.
Voice of America (VOA) reported that 51% of shares in Dairi Prima Mineral are owned by China Nonferrous Metal Industry’s subsidiary China Nonferrous Metal Construction, while 49% ownership comes from Bumi Resources, a subsidiary of Indonesian coal mining giant Bumi Resources Minerals.