Indorayon issue

Indorayon issue

In his address to those who agree with the resumption of the
operations of PT. Toba Pulp Lestari (TPL, new name for Inti
Indorayon Utama/IIU) in Balige on Nov. 30, 2002, Jacob Nuwa Wea
said that only a small number of people (around 10,000 people at
most out of the 300,000 population of Toba Samosir regency),
disagreed with the reopening of the plant.

In his capacity as a minister, he represented the government
in speaking about the process of allowing the company to resume
operations even though it is well-known to have polluted the air
and rivers.

From his address, it may be inferred that Jacob was acting as
if he were a campaigner for the company. Instead of talking about
the number of people who are for and against the company in a way
that could trigger unrest, he should have focussed on the
substance and kernel of the problem, and acted as a facilitator
rather than a provocateur.

Is the financial contribution made to the local and central
governments that significant? Is it really necessary for a
minister to come down and tell the people about the government's
decision on the resumption of operations and IIU's ability to
absorb all available manpower. The locals have been opposed to
the establishment of the plant from the very beginning.

Jacob should have known about what happened in Sosor Ladang,
Porsea subdistrict, and the cutting down of the forests around
Lake Toba by the company. The pulp plant, which was initially
expected to bring prosperity to the locals, caused severe
environmental damage during the time of the New Order regime.

The locals have been able to make their voices heard only
since the start of the reform era. If Jacob had ever smelled the
foul odor from the plant, I am sure he would have said something
different in his address.

Some Bataks commented: "How much money has he received to
deliver such an address and to warn local clerics and religious
leaders against inciting the locals to shut down the plant? The
religious leaders there were only voicing what is right. That's
all! So, why have they been accused of inciting people?.

The government maintain that the IIU has a new paradigm. My
next question is: Has the government forgotten about the physical
losses suffered by the locals?. The people demand that IIU be
punished according to the law. Afterwards, new paradigms can be
brought to the negotiating table.

Violent acts such as the police arresting and assaulting
protesters show the unwillingness of the Megawati administration
to protect the people.

ELIAKIM SITORUS, Jakarta