Environment forum Walhi gets new leaders

Environment forum Walhi gets new leaders

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi)
yesterday elected Emmy Hafild, formerly the director of the
group's special programs, as its new executive director.

Emmy's election followed the appointment of lawyer Nursyahbani
Katjasungkana as chairperson of the newly established National
Council, which will oversee the executive board's operations.

Their appointments came during the conclusion of Walhi's six-
day congress in nearby Bogor.

Emmy, who holds a master's degree in environmental economics
from Madison University in Wisconsin, was chosen for the post
following the disqualification of all other possible candidates
during the nomination process for not meeting the criteria.

Of the 19 regional forums who took part in the election, 17
voted for Emmy, with two others abstaining. She replaced
Zulkarnain M.S., who has headed Walhi's executive board for the
last three years.

The congress also appointed two deputies to accompany Emmy:
Iman Masfardi, a lawyer, and Arimbi Heruputri, who has a master's
in environmental law from Dalhousie University in Halifax,
Canada.

Walhi, established in 1980, has become Indonesia's leading
environmental campaigner, a position that has often caused it to
face the government head on over controversial issues.

The group is currently spearheading Indonesia's anti-nuclear
movement. It has also taken the government and companies such as
American mining giant PT Freeport Indonesia to court.

At the Bogor conference, Walhi decided to open up its
membership for the first time to individuals, including members
of the public. Previously, the group's membership comprised
environmental organizations and nature-lover groups.

Walhi spokeswoman Taty Krisnawati said the forum is also
considering opening its doors to civil servants and members of
political parties.

Lecturers at state universities, for example, are possible
targets of this policy.

The congress appointed a watchdog body to monitor the
activities of Walhi's members and ensure that they comply with
the group's code of ethics. The body consists of seven members
selected from the organization's regional offices.

Arimbi told The Jakarta Post that the forum hopes to continue
to convince the general public that environmental conservation
should be the concern of everyone, and not only Walhi.

"We will continue to advocate the people's rights to a better
environment," she said.

Sources said the congress discussed the suggestion of turning
Walhi into a more formal organization from its present loose
forum structure.

Those who supported the plan said the change would make Walhi
more effective in advocating environmental issues. Some, however,
wanted to retain Walhi's current structure, as it would allow
them flexibility in joining other organizations.

The congress also debated on the funding of Walhi's
activities.

Arimbi said Walhi has been receiving most of its funds from
the United States Agency for International Development (USAID),
the Ford Foundation, the Swedish International Development Agency
(SIDA) and the state-owned Environment Development Agency (BPL).
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