The dig site is part of a huge rush to Indonesia, the world's largest nickel producer, by domestic and foreign enterprises to mine the critical component used in electric vehicle batteries.
Residents and rights groups told AFP the boom threatens farmers' land rights and harms the environment in areas like Wawonii in the resource-rich Sulawesi region, which is home to black macaques, maleo birds and tarsier primates. FILE PHOTO
Residents and rights groups told AFP the boom threatens farmers' land rights and harms the environment in areas like Wawonii in the resource-rich Sulawesi region, which is home to black macaques, maleo birds and tarsier primates.Facing the prospect of losing their land and livelihood, around a dozen Wawonii villagers take turns keeping watch from a hut surrounded by clove trees, waiting for trespassers as machinery roars below.
PT GKP, the Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, and the local energy agency in Southeast Sulawesi all declined to comment for this story. Other villagers have blocked miners' vehicles and set heavy equipment on fire, while some held miners hostage, restraining them with ropes for up to 12 hours.
"The problem is, permits are often unilaterally issued" by the government, said Benni Wijaya of the Consortium for Agrarian Reform advocacy group. In a village in the Pomalaa region of the island, stilt houses sit above rust-red sludge where children swim in murky waters. Fishermen have also suffered from the impact of nickel pollution, and Asep Solihin said he now has to sail much further than he used to for a catch.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Both Russia, Ukraine report high casualties in DonetskBoth Ukraine and Russia on Sunday reported high casualties in Ukraine&39;s Donbas region, the focus of Moscow&39;s slow, long-running advance into its neighbor&39;s territory.
Read more »
Indonesia's Merapi volcano erupts, covers villages in ashIndonesia&39;s Mount Merapi, one of the world&39;s most active volcanoes, erupted on Saturday, spewing out smoke and ash that blanketed villages near the crater. There were no immediate reports of casualties, the country&39;s disaster mitigation agency said.
Read more »
Women solons preside over House session for Women's MonthWomen lawmakers "took over" the House of Representatives on Monday&39;s session in celebration of International Women&39;s Month.
Read more »
Jordan's King Abdullah and Queen Rania's eldest daughter ties the knotJordan&39;s King Abdullah and his wife Queen Rania&39;s eldest daughter Princess Iman on Sunday married a New York-based financier from a prominent Greek family in a private ceremony attended by some Gulf royals and family friends.
Read more »
Ex-policeman in Carl Arnaiz, Kulot deaths gets reclusion perpetuaIn an 80-page decision, Navotas Regional Trial Court Judge Romana Lindayag Del Rosario sentenced Jeffrey Sumbo Perez to reclusion perpetua without eligibility for parole for Arnaiz&39;s death. He was sentenced to suffer the same for De Guzman&39;s killing.
Read more »
Carla Humphries reunites with Solenn Heussaff, Thylane: ‘When your best friend pops out your mini best friend’Carla Humphries just had a sweet reunion with her best friend, Solenn Heussaff, but this time with a +1 in the form of the latter&39;s daughter, Thylane.
Read more »