Right to be involved
“People were not consulted. They have a right to be involved.”
As Alpian was growing up in Bereng Benkel, a village in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, he witnessed the lush rainforest of his childhood get destroyed by reckless loggers.
According to those living there, no-one in the community was warned. They don’t know who took the decision, and say they had no chance to object.
Today, his thoughts turn to future generations. For their sake, he’s fighting to find out who is making these decisions, and ensure the voices in his community are heard.
Alpian drives his fishing boat on the waterways, surveying a barren landscape.
“They cleared about 10,000 hectares, from here to there,” he continues, pointing to the horizon.
Livelihoods destroyed
The deforestation led to a loss of biodiversity – the fish that fed in the rivers have “moved away”, as one local put it.
Fishermen now have to find work in mines and palm oil plantations.
– Alpian, community campaigner
High corruption risks: “The system isn’t transparent”
Transparency International’s local chapter works to support local communities across the country, helping them to enjoy their legal rights to information.
– Dadang Trisasongko, Executive Director, Transparency International Indonesia
The fight continues
Alpian received training on how to use Indonesia’s Access to Information Act. Twice, he’s asked for details about logging in his local area.
“Twice, the government refused,” he says. Alpian is still fighting for this information.
“We want to strengthen Alpian’s community so they can access the information they need,” says Dadang, “and use this information as a tool to influence the policymaking process for Indonesia’s forests.”
– Alpian, community campaigner
