Church leaders join opposition to TPL reopening
Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan
Representatives from 13 churches grouped under the National Committee of Lutheran World Federation (KN LWF) have urged the government and security forces to listen to the aspirations of local people who reject the reopening of the pulp and sawmill plant PT Toba Pulp Lestari (TPL), the new name of troubled PT Inti Indorayon Utama (IIU).
They also demanded that police release two church ministers arrested during a protest outside the Porsea district office on Nov. 21.
"The government must listen to the aspirations and demands of local people before opening Toba Pulp. The government and the security forces must protect society, not taking repressive measures to back the operation of Toba Pulp," Rev. J.R. Hutauruk said in a statement.
KN LWF consists of 13 churches from across the country. They are the Batak Protestant (HKBP) in Tarutung, GKPI in Pematangsiantar, GKPS in Pematangsiantar, HKI in Pematangsiantar, GKPA in Padangilitan, GKPPD in Sidikalang, GPKB in Jakarta, GPP in Medan, GKPM in Mentawai, ONKP in Gunungsitoli, BNKP in Nias and AMIN in Nias.
Hutauruk said the clash outside the Porsea district office on Nov. 21 was because of miscommunication between the government and the society.
Sixteen residents, including two church ministers, were arrested during the incident.
Hundreds of local people staged a demonstration on Nov. 21 to protest the resumption of operations at TPL following the government's decision to temporarily halt its operation due to environmental and social problems.
Local people, backed by nongovernmental organizations and several churches, have rejected the sawmill's operation as they fear it would result in environmental and social damage.
According to Hutauruk, the government was not transparent in giving information to the people.
Separately, chairman of the Indonesian Communion of Churches (PGI) for North Sumatra, Rev. Willem T.P. Simarmata said a dialog among those who support and reject the project was needed.
He emphasized that the quality of life of Porsea residents had been increasing since the closure of PT Inti Indorayon Utama (IIU). Therefore, he said, this must be taken into consideration.
Willem suggested that the government withdraw its plan to reopen PT TPL.
A legislator with the Provincial Legislature (DPRD) Viktor Simarmata said he was opposed to a plan to reopen Toba Pulp in Porsea.
He added there was no other way to resolve this problem, but to find another location for the project.
"If the government insists upon opening Toba Pulp, it will be better if the company's directors, Manpower Minister Jacob Nuwa Wea, and officials are forced to live in this village. They will then feel what the people have felt," Viktor added.
Meanwhile, Willem suggested that the government should not intervene in order to open the sawmill, if an agreement between the company and the people could not be reached.
The government's insistence to reopen Toba Pulp would likely create many fatalities as the area would erupt in mob rioting very easily.
Commenting on the detention of two church ministers -- Miduk Sirait and Sarmah Siregar -- Willem demanded that the security force change their status to "city arrest".
He added that a city arrest would enable them to meet their congregations over Christmas.
"Both priests celebrated the recent Advent while in detention. We hope they can be freed for Christmas," he added.