In May 2007, a new investment law has been enacted by the government of Indonesia. Civil society acknowledges that this Act no 25 / 2007 is in opposition with Indonesia Independence Constitution. Many of its articles are not on the behalf of the people and tend to aggravate people lives. For example, one part of the articles prolongs land-usage concession from 25 years up to 90 years.

Thus on Thursday, July 5th 2007, Bina Desa as part of the coalition which refuses this regulation, together with other organizations registered for judicial review. This coalition, called Gerak Lawan, people’s movement against neocolonialism and imperialism, demanding to abate this law. While waiting for lawyers to register the case, around 300 people were demonstrating outside the building and held people tribunal.

In the joint statement there are three major fallacy of this law.

1.  This regulation is not on the behalf of national interest but rather serving the concerns of capital internationalization. This regulation is also against the constitution of The Republic of Indonesia by facilitating foreign capital to overrule people-dependent productions.
2. This regulation does not protect Indonesian people right to work, particularly labors that are easily being ceased from work due to factory adjournment.
3. This regulation aggravates economic, social and cultural rights violation which were done by state and non state actor specifically corporation.

Other than demanding the abatement, the coalition also urge government to build an independent national economy for people’s welfare by implementing true agrarian reform and build a strong national industry in regard to constitutional mandate.

Janadesh 2007 updates from Ekta Parishad

The 25th of June was the D-100 for Janadesh. Therefore, Ekta Parishad has organized a sit-in and a fasting to remind the Indian Government about the land issues that need to be solved across the country. Otherwise, the hundreds of tribals present for the fasting will tell the government that they will face 25 000 marchers of Janadesh in October 2007.

For this special day, we are please to send you the 2nd Newsletter “Janadesh Zindabad!”, which will show you a review of Janadesh events, past and future, in India and around the globe. You will also find other information relative to the land issues in India.

In solidarity,

Anaïs & Samuel

International Communication of Janadesh 2007, Ekta Parishad

PS: As you may know, Ekta Parishad is a member of SAPA (South Asia Peace Alliance). This year, the movement is organizing a regional media workshop in August for young journalists from South Asian Countries, at Gwalior-Madhya Pradesh. This workshop will be themed on Non-violent Transformation and the role of media in the age of violence and terror. If you are interested, you are most welcome.

Please contact Sushil Kumar:
secretariat.sapa@gmail.com

–
Janadesh 2007
2/3A, Basement, Jangpura A-Block
New Delhi 110014 – INDIA
+91 011-23550801
www.janadesh.net

Download Newsletter (.pdf)     ENGLISH     FRENCH

Philip Gain graciously photo-documented the Strategic Planning Meeting on the Land Watch Asia Campaign including the interface of the participants with farmers in Tuy, Batangas. These photos are available on Land Watch Asia’s Multiply site http://landwatchasia.multiply.com and will soon be available on Flickr. So to Philip Gain, a big thank you!  

During the Land Watch Asia strategic planning meeting in Tagaytay, Andrew Fuys (ILC) led a review of the issues and concerns on land access raised during a regional meetign in Subic in October 2006. For the full documentation of the Subic meeting, click here.

Shortly after the proposed country outline study was presented by Tony Quizon (ANGOC/ CAARD), a workshop was held, grouping the participants into two: South East Asia and South Asia. Below are their feedback. The final version of the country study outline was produced before the strategic planning meeting ended on March 29, 2007.

South East Asia

South Asia 

Jayvee Gargenerra provided an overview of mining policies and operations in the Philippines. Given the oft-ignored threats of mining both to humans and the environment, Phildhrra has organised and sustained an anti-mining campaign. Alyansa Tigil Mina brings together farmers, environmentalist, indigenous peoples and other advocates, calling an end to an unacceptable industry.  

India-Ekta Parishad

Philippines-ARNow!

Cambodia-Star Kampuchea

Bangladesh-ALRD