First Indigenous Lawsuit Against Mining Multinational in Indonesia

First Indigenous Lawsuit Against Mining Multinational in Indonesia

On Tuesday, July 31, 2002, twenty-nine people from the Dayak Siang, Murung and Bakumpai indigenous communities of Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, filed a lawsuit against the Australian Aurora Gold-owned PT. Indo Muro Kencana in the South Jakarta State Court. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of the citizens by TATR, a team of lawyers from JATAM, WALHI, ALPERUDI, ELSAM, YLBHI, TAPAL and the law office of Ahmad Yani.

Following the filing of the lawsuit, JATAM and members of TATR held a press conference. A video was shown at this press conference that revealed the way of life of the Dayak Siang, Murung and Bakumpai communities and how that way of life has been disturbed and destroyed with the operations of PT Indo Muro Kencana.

Please read the below information "Waiting for Final Justice", which gives more legal background to the case being brought against PT Indo Muro Kencana.

It is the first case in Indonesia to be brought by citizens against a multinational mining company to the Jakarta State Court. A previous lawsuit brought against Freeport last year was of a class action nature.

For further information on this case, please do not hesitate to contact JATAM.