Mining threatens genocide of uncontacted Indigenous group in Indonesia
- The uncontacted Hongana Manyawa in Indonesia face severe risks from nickel mining, affecting their forest habitat essential for survival.
- Survival International reports that 19 companies, including Eramet, are operating in their territory, with 40% of their land now under threat.
- Urgent measures are needed to demarcate their land and halt mining activities to prevent potential genocide of this vulnerable community.
In Indonesia, specifically on the island of Halmahera, an urgent report from Survival International has raised alarms about the uncontacted Hongana Manyawa Indigenous people, claiming they are facing a grave threat. The report emphasizes that around 500 of the approximately 3,500 Hongana Manyawa remain uncontacted and that nickel mining, driven by global demand for electric vehicle components, is rapidly consuming their forest home. Mining operations now occupy about 40% of their land, highlighting the destructive environmental impact and the escalating crisis for the uncontacted community. The report outlines that 19 mining companies, including the significant PT Weda Bay Nickel (owned by Eramet), are currently extracting resources in these territories. Despite being aware of the potential dangers to the uncontacted population since 2013, Eramet continues its operations. A spokesperson for the company refutes Survival International's claims, stating that some of the Hongana Manyawa are in voluntary contact with mine workers, asserting that they have implemented culturally sensitive protocols in their interactions. Survival International warns that the extensive mining practices not only destroy the rainforest essential for the hunter-gatherers' survival but also threaten their health due to increased exposure to outside diseases. This situation reflects a broader trend of mineral extraction across the globe, where communities often face severe ecological and social ramifications as industries capitalize on resources deemed necessary for transitioning to low-carbon energy. The report calls for immediate action to recognize and protect the territory of the Hongana Manyawa, urging an end to mining activities and the establishment of a 'no-go zone' to ensure their survival. This plea highlights the ongoing tensions between indigenous rights, corporate interests, and environmental sustainability, illustrating a critical ethical dilemma as the world seeks to balance its energy needs with human rights protections.