Online24, Makassar – Wahana Lingkungan Hidup Indonesia (WALHI) Sulawesi Selatan held a direct action in front of the PT. Vale Indonesia office on Somba Opu Street, Makassar City. This action aims to campaign for the issue of saving rainforests and the living space of communities in Loeha Raya, which is currently threatened by the nickel mining activities of PT Vale Indonesia.
In this action, the Head of the External Department of WALHI Sulsel, Rahmat Kottir, called on PT Vale Indonesia to stop exploration in the Lumereo-Lengkona mountains of East Luwu Regency, because the exploration being carried out in the area threatens the livelihoods of thousands of people consisting of farmers, women, and farm laborers.
“We urge PT Vale Indonesia to immediately stop exploration because it will threaten the lives of farmers, women, and farm laborers in Loeha Raya. Where the people of Loeha Raya depend on their livelihoods from pepper plantations,” said Rahmat Kottir. Wednesday, July 25, 2024
Furthermore, the Head of the External Department of WALHI Sulsel also stated that the expansion of PT Vale Indonesia’s nickel mine will threaten the existence of rainforests and biodiversity in the Lumereo-Lengkona mountains, Block Tanamalia.
“The expansion of the nickel mine will clearly threaten the existence of rainforests and biodiversity in it. Therefore, we urge the government to immediately issue a moratorium regarding the mining permit of PT Vale Indonesia,” he concluded.
Lastly, Rahmat also mentioned that the people of Loeha Raya are currently facing intimidation from police officers.
“Now, the residents are facing intimidation from police officers and the company. They are visiting the homes of residents who are fighting to protect their pepper plantations,” Rahmat concluded. (*)
