InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – The representatives of Indigenous People of The Awyu and Moi, Papua Province and some other (environmental) activists, handed over 250 thousand petitions to reject palm oil (plantation) permits in Papua to the Supreme Court, Monday (22/7/2024). 

They handed over the petitions with some actions in front of the office of the Supreme Court to tell their opinions. This was about to support the legal officials to cancel palm oil plantation permits that would be the threats for indigenous forests in Papua Province.

“There were cases of disappointment, for instance, The Supreme Court recently assigned many heads of regions after the election had been conducted. When the indigenous people complained, we have to wait for months to get number (to deal with our case),” Chairman of Legal of The Awyu, Sekar Banjaran Aji said, as InfoSAWIT quoted from Antara TV, Wednesday (24/7/2024). 

Environmental activist, Melanie Subono said that it would be significant to conserve the forests. This is a must namely for the government as the policy maker. She hoped the Supreme Court would decide based on every law.

Based on the Consitution 1945 Chapter 33 paragraph 3, the earth, water, and natural resources contained therein are controlled by the country and used for the greatest prosperity of the people. Melanie hoped the legal officers would fairly decide based on the available regulations.

“We do know the forests in Papua are not for the interests for the tribes in the province only but also for the man’s interests whole over the world. Do you know our air quality now?” she said. (T4)