Indigenous Struggles: Displacement and Loss Amid East Indonesia’s Lambo Dam Project
Mateus Bhui grips Rendubutowe soil in his hands. He speaks softly, asking his ancestors for forgiveness. “I never wanted to sell this land,” he says.
Mateus is the leader of the Woe Dhiri Ke’o, an Indigenous community on Flores Island, Indonesia. Soon, his land will become part of a new reservoir costing 1.4 trillion rupiah (US$88 million). This project aims to provide water for the wider Nagekeo district.
In 2015, Indonesia’s public works ministry stated the urgent need for reservoirs in East Nusa Tenggara due to severe water shortages. The Lambo Dam, a priority infrastructure project, will stand 48 meters (157 feet) tall and create a reservoir with a capacity of 51.73 million cubic meters (13.67 billion gallons). The water will irrigate 6,240 hectares (15,420 acres) of farmland, primarily rice fields.
“We were forced to give it up,” Mateus explains about the land he cultivated with cashew, teak, and coconut trees.
Yohanes Jawa, the village head of Ulupulu, expresses concern. “With the construction of this reservoir, all the farmers’ land has been taken. It’s cut livelihoods.”
Globally, approximately 1.5% of the population is forcibly displaced, a figure that has doubled over the past decade. In Indonesia, Indigenous communities face displacement for infrastructure projects like the Lambo Dam.
“This land is vital for us Indigenous people,” Mateus insists. “But the government focuses on national interests. What about our lives?”
What are the cultural implications of displacing Indigenous communities for development projects?
Concern over the impending displacement of families within the community, echoing Mateus’s sentiments. “Our ancestors have lived on this land for centuries. It is not just about the trees we plant; it’s about our identity, our culture, our history,” he says, his voice tinged with sadness.
To delve deeper into the implications of this project, we sat down with Dr. Laila Prihatini, a sociologist specializing in Indigenous rights and land-use policy in Indonesia. Here’s what she had to say during our interview.
NewsDirectory3: Dr. Prihatini, thank you for joining us. Can you share your thoughts on the impact of the Lambo Dam project on the Indigenous community of Woe Dhiri Ke’o?
Dr. Prihatini: Thank you for having me. The impact will be profound, not only in terms of physical displacement but also in the loss of cultural heritage. The land isn’t just a resource for these communities; it represents their history and identity. The emotional toll on individuals like Mateus, who feel torn between their obligations and the pressures exerted by development projects, cannot be understated.
NewsDirectory3: You mentioned cultural loss. Could you expand on that?
Dr. Prihatini: Certainly. For Indigenous communities, land is intricately tied to their spiritual beliefs and cultural practices. When you displace families and the community is fragmented, it disrupts their way of life. Traditional knowledge, which has been passed down through generations, is at risk of being lost. Also, their connection to nature and the way they manage their environment will inevitably change when they move away from their ancestral lands.
NewsDirectory3: The government cites a pressing need for infrastructure and water supply in the region. How can these needs be balanced with Indigenous rights?
Dr. Prihatini: This is a critical question. Development must come with an ethical responsibility to include Indigenous voices in decision-making processes. There should be a collaborative approach where the government not only recognizes but respects Indigenous land rights. It is possible to develop infrastructure while also preserving cultural heritage, but it requires genuine partnerships with Indigenous communities rather than top-down impositions.
NewsDirectory3: What recourse do communities like Woe Dhiri Ke’o have in situations like this?
Dr. Prihatini: They can pursue legal avenues to demand recognition of their rights. Advocacy groups often play an important role in raising awareness and providing legal support. International frameworks, such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, also offer mechanisms for protection. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of these frameworks varies widely, depending on the political will of local governments to engage constructively with Indigenous peoples.
NewsDirectory3: Lastly, what would you say is needed from us as a society to support these communities?
Dr. Prihatini: Solidarity is key. Raising awareness about Indigenous issues, supporting advocacy efforts, and insisting on transparency and accountability from governments and corporations can make a difference. Everyone can play a part in this, whether through education, activism, or simply listening to and amplifying Indigenous voices.
As our conversation concludes, it’s clear that the story of Mateus and the Woe Dhiri Ke’o is more than a local matter; it resonates with broader themes of development, displacement, and the profound importance of land to Indigenous identity. As the Lambo Dam project moves forward, the voices of those directly affected must remain at the forefront of discussions surrounding it.
NewsDirectory3: Thank you, Dr. Prihatini, for sharing your insights on this important issue.
As communities face challenges posed by development projects, the hope lies in collaborative efforts that honor both the needs for progress and the rights of Indigenous peoples.
Resistance from locals has slowed the dam’s construction. Kristina Ito, a local farmer, fears eviction. “If I’m going to be evicted, where will I live?” she asks.
Women in the community, like Kristina, have led protests against the project. They recall past clashes with security forces during demonstrations. They feel their land, which sustains their families, is being dismissed by the government.
New police leadership claims to prioritize mediation to resolve disputes, yet tensions remain high. The national commission on gender-based violence highlights the need for better planning. The chair, Andy Yentriyani, demands fair compensation for impacted communities and sensitivity to their unique challenges.
Yeremias Lele, the village head, criticizes government communication about relocation. Residents report inconsistent compensation, with some parcels of land still unresolved. Government representatives suggest that residents can file complaints, but the surveying process has not accounted for their crops and homes due to ongoing protests.
“This land is not idle to us,” emphasizes Hermina Mawa, highlighting the connection between the land and their way of life.
Mateus worries that the sacred sites of his ancestors will soon be submerged. “We ask the central government to think about us, the Indigenous people,” he pleads. “Our culture is what comes from our ancestors.”