133 Cases of Threats Against Environmental Activists in the Last Decade: Their Distribution

Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) cases or threats against environmental defenders in Indonesia reached 133 cases between 2014 and 2023. This data was compiled by Auriga Nusantara, a non-governmental organization focused on environmental issues.

Timer Manurung, Executive Director of Auriga Nusantara, stated that the data highlights the need for greater protection of environmental defenders.

"The state does not sufficiently protect, inadequately protects, or fails to protect [environmental activists], so society must build its own protection," Timer said during the event *Status Pembela Lingkungan Indonesia 2014-2023* on his YouTube channel on Friday (January 19, 2024).

According to region, the most threats against environmental activists occurred on Java Island, with 36 cases in the last decade.

This is followed by Sumatra with 30 cases and Sulawesi with 23 cases.

"Sumatra even recorded the highest number of murders; four environmental defenders were killed in North Sumatra," Timer said.

Then, Kalimantan recorded 22 cases of threats against environmental defenders, Bali and Nusa Tenggara 15 cases, Maluku 5 cases, and Papua 2 cases.

According to Timer, the low number of recorded cases in Papua is due to a lack of information.

"Meanwhile, there are 5 recorded cases in Maluku. However, we know for a fact that mining operations are currently underway, and many are in Maluku, especially nickel mining," he said.

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