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). (16)